indoctrination
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indoctrination
A massive, often psychological influence on people with the aim of forcing a particular ideology or doctrine on them, without allowing criticism or dissenting opinions. The term has a strongly negative connotation.
Die totalitäre Regierung setzte auf die systematische Indoktrination der Jugend durch das Schulsystem.
The totalitarian government relied on the systematic indoctrination of young people through the school system.
The word contains the Latin root 'Doktrin' (doctrine), which means 'Lehre' (teaching/doctrine). The prefix 'in-' means 'into'. So 'Indoktrination' (indoctrination) is literally the 'placing' of a doctrine into a person.
Kritiker werfen der Organisation vor, sie betreibe Indoktrination.
Critics accuse the organization of engaging in indoctrination.
This word has a very strong negative meaning. It is used almost exclusively to criticize a form of brainwashing or manipulative influence.
In der freien Gesellschaft wird jede Form von staatlicher Indoktrination abgelehnt.
In a free society, every form of state indoctrination is rejected.
Common adjectives used with this word are 'politische' (political), 'ideologische' (ideological), or 'religiöse' (religious) indoctrination. A typical verb phrase is 'Indoktrination betreiben' (to engage in indoctrination).
Der Film handelt von der politischen Indoktrination in autoritären Staaten.
The film is about political indoctrination in authoritarian states.
clarification / Enlightenment
'Aufklärung' and 'Indoktrination' both have to do with information and opinions, but they stand in clear contrast. 'Aufklärung' means that people are informed so that they can understand something better and judge for themselves. 'Indoktrination' means that people are strongly influenced so that they adopt a particular doctrine or ideology and do not ask critical questions. So 'Aufklärung' fits with knowledge, clarity, and personal decision-making. 'Indoktrination' sounds negative and fits with pressure and one-sided influence.
Viele Eltern fürchten die Indoktrination ihrer Kinder durch extreme Gruppen.
Many parents fear the indoctrination of their children by extremist groups.
Nach dem Betrugsfall fordert die Behörde eine schnelle Aufklärung.
After the fraud case, the authorities are calling for a quick investigation.