plot / conspiracy
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plot / conspiracy
A secret plan by a group of people to carry out something illegal or harmful; a conspiracy.
Die Offiziere schmiedeten ein Komplott, um die Regierung zu stürzen.
The officers hatched a plot to overthrow the government.
'Komplott' (plot/conspiracy) is mainly used in formal, journalistic, or historical contexts, often in connection with politics, crime, or intrigue.
Die Geschichtsbücher berichten von einem Komplott gegen den Kaiser.
The history books report on a plot against the emperor.
The word 'Komplott' (plot/conspiracy) is often used with certain verbs. You can 'schmieden' (hatch/plot) a conspiracy, 'aufdecken' (uncover) it, or 'verhindern' (prevent) it.
Eine Gruppe von Generälen hatte ein Komplott geschmiedet, um die Macht zu übernehmen.
A group of generals had hatched a plot to seize power.
To describe the goal of the plot, an infinitive construction with 'um ... zu' (in order to) or a subordinate clause with 'dass' (that) is often used.
Sie planten ein Komplott, um den Präsidenten zu stürzen.
They planned a plot to overthrow the president.
conspiracy
Verschwörung and Komplott both refer to a secret, harmful plan carried out by a group. Komplott places greater emphasis on the specific joint plan directed against a person or institution. Verschwörung focuses more on the secret alliance and the broader conspiratorial activity.
Das Komplott der drei Mitarbeiter gegen ihren Chef war genau geplant.
The plot by the three employees against their boss was carefully planned.
Die Verschwörung mehrerer Gruppen gegen die Regierung wurde erst nach langer Zeit bekannt.
The conspiracy involving several groups against the government did not become known until much later.
