German NOUN C1 Rank 17719

die Gleichschaltung

forced coordination / synchronization

Checking...

Loading your saved state.

Meanings

die Gleichschaltung

forced coordination

The forced integration and alignment of all social organizations, institutions, and media with a single political ideology and state control. The term is inseparably associated with the policies of the National Socialists in Germany from 1933 onward.

EXAMPLE

Die Gleichschaltung der Presse war ein zentrales Instrument der Nationalsozialisten zur Machtsicherung.

The forced coordination of the press was a central instrument used by the National Socialists to secure power.

die Gleichschaltung

synchronization

In a technical sense, the synchronization of several machines, circuits, or systems so that they operate in exactly the same rhythm or state.

EXAMPLE

Für den reibungslosen Betrieb des Systems war eine präzise Gleichschaltung der Motoren erforderlich.

Precise synchronization of the motors was required for the smooth operation of the system.

Usage tips

Compound structure

The word is made up of 'gleich' (same / equal) and 'Schaltung' (switching / circuit). It describes the process of 'gleichschalten' (to align / to synchronize) something, that is, bringing it onto a uniform line. This literal meaning helps in understanding both uses of the word.

EXAMPLE

Die Gleichschaltung aller Vereine auf die Parteilinie war ein Ziel des Regimes.

The forced coordination of all associations in line with the party was a goal of the regime.

Context clue

You can recognize the meaning of the word from the context. If people are talking about history, politics, media, or society, the political meaning is intended. In texts about technology, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering, it refers to technical synchronization.

EXAMPLE

Die Gleichschaltung der Medien unterdrückte jede Kritik.

The forced coordination of the media suppressed all criticism.

Historical term

In a political context, 'Gleichschaltung' (forced coordination) is a specific historical term. It is used almost exclusively for the measures taken by the National Socialist regime in Germany from 1933 onward and has a very negative connotation.

EXAMPLE

Im Geschichtsunterricht haben wir über die Gleichschaltung im Dritten Reich gesprochen.

In history class, we talked about forced coordination in the Third Reich.

Typical collocations

In the technical sense, 'Gleichschaltung' (synchronization) is often combined with the objects that are being synchronized. Typical phrases are 'die Gleichschaltung von Motoren' (the synchronization of motors), 'von Systemen' (of systems), or 'von Prozessen' (of processes).

EXAMPLE

Eine exakte Gleichschaltung der Antriebe ist technisch sehr anspruchsvoll.

Exact synchronization of the drives is technically very demanding.

In real life

Loading video examples...