German word

Verschwörung

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈʃvøːʁʊŋ/

Meaning

  • feminine nounconspiracy

Example

Viele Verschwörungen werden nie aufgedeckt.

Many conspiracies are never uncovered.

Illustration for Verschwörung (conspiracy)

More examples

Die Ermittler entdeckten Hinweise auf eine Verschwörung.

The investigators discovered clues to a conspiracy.

Core concept

Several people secretly work in concert to bring about an outcome that they do not reveal to others.

Common phrases

  • die Verschwörung leugnen

    deny the conspiracy

  • an einer Verschwörung teilnehmen

    participate in a conspiracy

  • eine Verschwörung aufdecken

    uncover a conspiracy

Similar words

Komplott: A secret plot by a small group to carry out wrongdoing.
Konspiration: A secret alliance or plan formed for political or military aims.
Verschwörungstheorie: A claim that a hidden conspiracy exists without public proof.
Intrige: A secret scheme designed to bring someone down.

Definition in German

Eine geheime Absprache, bei der Beteiligte zusammenwirken, um ein verborgenes Ziel zu erreichen.

Word origin

Verschwörung is a nominal derivative of verschwören, a verb formed with ver- from schwören, 'to swear', reflecting a secret alliance based on a shared commitment.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English plot, Verschwörung normally has a strongly secretive and often hostile sense, so a neutral plan is usually called ein Plan or ein Vorhaben.

Other meanings

  • plotnoun
  • schemenoun
  • collusionnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Verschwörerconspiratornoun
  • Verschwörungsdenkenconspiracy thinkingnoun
  • verschwörerischconspiratorialadjective

Word lists with this word