brainwashing
die Gehirnwäsche, die Gehirnwäschen
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brainwashing
The systematic psychological influencing of a person with the aim of fundamentally changing their beliefs, values, and attitudes.
Sekten wird oft vorgeworfen, bei ihren Mitgliedern eine Art Gehirnwäsche durchzuführen.
Cults are often accused of carrying out a kind of brainwashing on their members.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Gehirnwäschen |
| genitive | der Gehirnwäsche |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Gehirnwäsche | die Gehirnwäschen |
| accusative | die Gehirnwäsche | die Gehirnwäschen |
| dative | der Gehirnwäsche | den Gehirnwäschen |
| genitive | der Gehirnwäsche | der Gehirnwäschen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word is a very vivid compound made up of 'Gehirn' (brain) and 'Wäsche' (washing). It metaphorically describes the 'cleaning' of the brain of old thoughts and the implanting of new ones.
In dem Film geht es um einen Agenten, der einer Gehirnwäsche unterzogen wurde.
The film is about an agent who was subjected to brainwashing.
'Gehirnwäsche' (brainwashing) is a word with a very strong negative connotation. It is used to criticize manipulative and totalitarian methods of changing opinions, often in the context of cults or dictatorships.
Kritiker werfen der Organisation vor, systematische Gehirnwäsche zu betreiben.
Critics accuse the organization of carrying out systematic brainwashing.
A very common fixed expression is 'jemanden einer Gehirnwäsche unterziehen' (to subject someone to brainwashing). This means that this procedure is done to someone.
Die entführten Soldaten wurden einer monatelangen Gehirnwäsche unterzogen.
The abducted soldiers were subjected to months of brainwashing.
manipulation
Manipulation is deliberate, often unnoticed influence and can also affect individual decisions. Gehirnwäsche (brainwashing) refers to particularly comprehensive and systematic psychological influence intended to fundamentally change beliefs and values. For a complete transformation of attitudes, Gehirnwäsche is the better choice.
Durch ständige Kontrolle und Belehrung veränderte die Gruppe mit Gehirnwäsche sein gesamtes Weltbild.
Through constant control and instruction, the group changed his entire worldview through brainwashing.
Mit einer erfundenen Warnung erreichte die Gruppe durch Manipulation seine Zustimmung.
The group secured his agreement through manipulation by issuing a fabricated warning.
