nationalism
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nationalism
A political ideology that regards one's own nation as the highest value and places it above others. This is often associated with exaggerated national pride and the devaluation of other nations.
Der extreme Nationalismus des frühen 20. Jahrhunderts gilt als eine der Ursachen für den Ersten Weltkrieg.
The extreme nationalism of the early 20th century is considered one of the causes of the First World War.
The word ends in '-ismus' (-ism). This suffix often refers to a political, social, or philosophical ideology or movement. The word stem is 'Nation' (nation).
Der Surrealismus war eine wichtige Kunstbewegung des 20. Jahrhunderts.
Surrealism was an important art movement of the 20th century.
In contemporary German, 'Nationalismus' (nationalism) usually has a strongly negative meaning and is associated with political extremism. In most historical and political discussions, this negative interpretation is the default assumption.
Historiker warnen vor dem Wiederaufleben eines aggressiven Nationalismus in Europa.
Historians warn of the resurgence of aggressive nationalism in Europe.
To emphasize the negative meaning, the word is often combined with adjectives such as 'extrem' (extreme), 'radikal' (radical), 'aggressiv' (aggressive), or 'übersteigert' (exaggerated).
Die Partei wird für ihren radikalen Nationalismus kritisiert.
The party is criticized for its radical nationalism.
The more neutral meaning of 'Nationalismus' (nationalism) as national consciousness is rare in contemporary usage. It can sometimes occur in contexts such as major sporting events, but even there the word is often controversial.
Während der Weltmeisterschaft sprach man von einem neuen, weltoffenen Nationalismus.
During the World Cup, people spoke of a new, cosmopolitan nationalism.
racism
'der Rassismus' and 'der Nationalismus' can both have to do with devaluing other groups, but they do not mean the same thing. 'Rassismus' is directed against people because of attributed origin, skin color, or external characteristics. 'Nationalismus' places one's own nation especially highly and can devalue other nations. Learners may confuse the words because both appear in political and social discussions. The important question is: If it is about supposed 'races' or origin, you say 'Rassismus'. If it is about one's own nation and its superiority, you say 'Nationalismus'.
Im Gespräch warnte Omar vor einem Nationalismus, der andere Länder schlechtmacht.
In the conversation, Omar warned against a nationalism that bad-mouths other countries.
Die Schule organisiert ein Projekt gegen Rassismus.
The school is organizing a project against racism.