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.
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.
Compare with
near_synonym · confusable
Gleichschaltung vs Abstimmung
vote / coordination
'die Abstimmung' and 'die Gleichschaltung' can both mean that several things are set in relation to one another. 'Abstimmung' sounds neutral and is often used when plans, processes, or devices are meant to fit together well. In the technical sense, 'Gleichschaltung' means that machines or systems operate in the same rhythm or state. However, the word must be used very carefully because it is also strongly associated with National Socialist politics. For that reason, 'Gleichschaltung' is not suitable for normal planning or cooperation. Learners may confuse the words because both sound like 'adjusting' or 'aligning'. In everyday language, 'Abstimmung' is usually the natural word.
Gleichschaltung
In der Werkstatt kontrolliert der Techniker die Gleichschaltung der beiden Motoren.
In the workshop, the technician checks the synchronization of the two motors.
Abstimmung
Nach der Arbeit haben sie die Abstimmung der nächsten Schritte besprochen.
After work, they discussed the coordination of the next steps.
