seizure of power
Loading your saved state.
seizure of power
The taking over of political control over a state or organization, often by undemocratic, illegitimate, or violent means.
Im Geschichtsunterricht wird die Machtübernahme der Nationalsozialisten 1933 behandelt.
In history class, the seizure of power by the National Socialists in 1933 is covered.
The word is made up of 'die Macht' (power) and 'die Übernahme' (takeover). 'Die Übernahme' comes from the verb 'übernehmen' (to take over). A 'Machtübernahme' (seizure of power) is therefore literally the act in which power is taken over.
Die Opposition warnte vor einer schleichenden Machtübernahme.
The opposition warned of a creeping seizure of power.
This word has a strong, usually negative meaning. It is used for political upheavals that are regarded as undemocratic or violent, not for a normal change of government.
Der General versuchte eine Machtübernahme durch das Militär.
The general attempted a seizure of power by the military.
Common verbs used with 'Machtübernahme' (seizure of power) are 'planen' (to plan), 'durchführen' (to carry out), or 'verhindern' (to prevent). It is also often used with the preposition 'nach' (after) to describe the time after the event.
Nach der Machtübernahme wurden viele Gesetze geändert.
After the seizure of power, many laws were changed.
coup
Putsch and Machtübernahme can both describe a violent attempt to take political control. Putsch refers to an attempted overthrow by a smaller group and can fail, whereas Machtübernahme presupposes that control is actually gained. Therefore, use Putsch for an unsuccessful attempt and Machtübernahme for the transfer of power once it has been achieved.
Die gewaltsame Machtübernahme gab der kleinen Gruppe die Kontrolle über die Regierung.
The violent seizure of power gave the small group control of the government.
Der Putsch der kleinen Gruppe scheiterte, bevor sie die Regierung kontrollierte.
The small group's coup failed before it could take control of the government.
