The period of the National Socialist dictatorship in Germany from Adolf Hitler's seizure of power on January 30, 1933, to the unconditional surrender of the Wehrmacht on May 8, 1945.
example
Viele historische Gebäude wurden während der Nazizeit für Propagandazwecke umgestaltet.
Many historic buildings were redesigned for propaganda purposes during the Nazi era.
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is a compound of 'Nazi' (short for National Socialist) and 'Zeit' (time/period). It specifically refers to the historical period of National Socialist rule in Germany.
EXAMPLE
Sein Großvater hat ihm oft Geschichten aus der Nazizeit erzählt.
His grandfather often told him stories from the Nazi era.
Typical prepositions
As a time expression, 'Nazizeit' (Nazi era) is usually used with the prepositions 'in der' (in the) or 'während der' (during the). If something comes from this period, you use 'aus der' (from the).
EXAMPLE
Während der Nazizeit wurden viele Künstler verfolgt.
During the Nazi era, many artists were persecuted.
Historical term
'Nazizeit' (Nazi era) is an established historical term and is used exclusively for the dictatorship in Germany from 1933 to 1945. The word has a very serious and negative connotation.
EXAMPLE
Im Geschichtsunterricht haben wir über das Leben in der Nazizeit gesprochen.
In history class, we talked about life in the Nazi era.