German word

Sozialismus

Pronunciation

IPA/zoːtsi̯aˈlɪsmʊs/

Meaning

  • masculine nounsocialism

Example

Viele Menschen diskutieren über den Sozialismus.

Many people are discussing socialism.

Illustration for Sozialismus (socialism)

More examples

In Seminaren lernten wir, den Sozialismus kritisch zu diskutieren.

In seminars, we learned to discuss socialism critically.

Core concept

A political order places economic resources under collective control and treats social fairness as a central goal.

Common phrases

  • marxistischer Sozialismus

    Marxist socialism

  • radikaler Sozialismus

    radical socialism

  • Sozialismus kritisch diskutieren

    critically discuss socialism

Similar words

Kommunismus: A political and economic order seeking to abolish private property and class distinctions.
Kapitalismus: An economic order driven by private ownership, market exchange, and the pursuit of profit.
Sozialdemokratie: A democratic movement promoting welfare programs and redistribution through political reform.
Sozialstaat: A government-backed system providing welfare, public services, and income redistribution.

Definition in German

Sozialismus bezeichnet politische Ideen und Praktiken, die kollektives Eigentum und soziale Gerechtigkeit fördern.

Word origin

The German noun is a nineteenth-century borrowing of French socialisme, built on Latin socialis and the productive suffix -ismus.

Usage tips

  • German uses Sozialismus broadly, so concrete policies or institutions often need to be named when a discussion requires precision.

Other meanings

  • socialist systemnoun
  • socialist ideologynoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word