general strike
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general strike
A strike in which employees from almost all sectors of a country's or region's economy take part, usually in order to achieve political goals.
Die Gewerkschaften riefen zum Generalstreik auf, um gegen die Rentenreform zu protestieren.
The unions called for a general strike to protest against the pension reform.
The word is made up of 'General-' and 'Streik' (strike). The prefix 'General-' here does not mean that it is about the military, but rather 'general' or 'comprehensive'. A 'Generalstreik' (general strike) is therefore a general strike.
Ein Generalstreik legt das öffentliche Leben lahm.
A general strike brings public life to a standstill.
In connection with 'Generalstreik' (general strike), certain verbs are often used. Unions 'rufen zum Generalstreik auf' (call for a general strike), and workers 'treten in den Generalstreik' (go on general strike).
Die Opposition rief die Bevölkerung zum Generalstreik auf.
The opposition called on the population to join a general strike.
This word belongs to the language of politics, the news, and historiography. In everyday private conversation, it is only used when talking about political events.
Die Nachrichten berichten ausführlich über den drohenden Generalstreik.
The news is reporting in detail on the looming general strike.
strike
'der Streik' and 'der Generalstreik' both have to do with a collective stoppage of work. 'Streik' is the general term and can involve a single company, an industry, or a group of employees. 'Generalstreik' is much larger: almost all important sectors of a region or country take part, often for political goals. The words can be confused because a general strike is also a strike. If only a specific group is affected, you say 'Streik'. If almost the whole country or many sectors come to a standstill, 'Generalstreik' fits.
Beim Generalstreik blieben Schulen, Fabriken und viele Geschäfte geschlossen.
During the general strike, schools, factories, and many shops remained closed.
Der Streik der Pflegekräfte dauert schon drei Tage.
The nurses' strike has already lasted three days.