A policy or practice in which a state gains political control over another country, occupies it, and exploits it economically. It is a concept from history and politics.
example
Die Aufarbeitung der Geschichte des Kolonialismus ist für viele Nationen bis heute ein wichtiges Thema.
Coming to terms with the history of colonialism remains an important issue for many nations today.
Usage tips
Word structure with "-ismus"
The ending '-ismus' (-ism) is used in German for many political, social, or philosophical systems and ideologies. 'Kolonialismus' (colonialism) is derived from the word 'Kolonie' (colony) and describes the corresponding historical system.
EXAMPLE
Andere Wörter mit dieser Endung sind Kapitalismus, Sozialismus oder Feminismus.
Other words with this ending are capitalism, socialism, or feminism.
Register and context
'Kolonialismus' (colonialism) is a technical term from history and the social sciences. It is mainly used in academic, political, or historical discussions.
EXAMPLE
In der Universität gab es ein Seminar über die Auswirkungen des Kolonialismus.
At the university, there was a seminar on the effects of colonialism.
Typical collocations
Common word combinations are 'die Geschichte des Kolonialismus' (the history of colonialism), 'die Folgen des Kolonialismus' (the consequences of colonialism), and 'den Kolonialismus aufarbeiten' (to come to terms with colonialism).
EXAMPLE
Die Folgen des Kolonialismus sind in vielen Ländern bis heute spürbar.
The consequences of colonialism can still be felt in many countries today.
Compare with
near_synonym · confusable
Kolonialismus vs Imperialismus
imperialism
'der Imperialismus' and 'der Kolonialismus' both belong to history and politics and describe power over other countries or peoples. 'Imperialismus' is the broader term: a state wants to expand its political, military, or economic influence. This can happen through colonies, but also through pressure, control, or economic dependence. 'Kolonialismus' is more specific: a state occupies or directly controls another territory and exploits it economically. The words can be confused because European great powers often practiced both. As a simple guide: imperialism describes the drive for power; colonialism describes especially direct rule over colonies.
Kolonialismus
Im Geschichtsunterricht sprechen wir über den Kolonialismus und seine Folgen für viele Länder.
In history class, we are talking about colonialism and its consequences for many countries.
Imperialismus
Für die Prüfung hat die Klasse den Imperialismus im 19. Jahrhundert wiederholt.
For the exam, the class reviewed imperialism in the 19th century.