die Öffentlichkeit
public
All the people in a society; the general public or audience.
EXAMPLE
Die Entscheidung der Regierung wurde von der Öffentlichkeit stark kritisiert.
The government's decision was heavily criticized by the public.
die Öffentlichkeit
public
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
an die Öffentlichkeit gehen
to go public
To deliberately make information that was previously private or secret public.
EXAMPLE
Der Whistleblower beschloss, mit den brisanten Dokumenten an die Öffentlichkeit zu gehen.
The whistleblower decided to go public with the explosive documents.
in der Öffentlichkeit
in public
In a public place where one can be seen by other people; not in a private space.
EXAMPLE
Als berühmter Schauspieler kann er sich kaum in der Öffentlichkeit bewegen, ohne erkannt zu werden.
As a famous actor, he can hardly move around in public without being recognized.
Usage tips
Word formation
The word is derived from the adjective 'öffentlich' (public). The ending '-keit' turns adjectives into feminine nouns that describe a quality or state — here, the state of being public.
EXAMPLE
Die Sicherheit der Bevölkerung ist eine öffentliche Aufgabe.
The safety of the population is a public responsibility.
Grammar and usage
'Öffentlichkeit' (public) is almost always used in the singular and with the definite article 'die'. A plural form practically does not exist.
EXAMPLE
Die Öffentlichkeit hat ein Recht auf diese Informationen.
The public has a right to this information.
Typical collocations
This noun is often used as the object of verbs that describe communication or influence. Typical phrases are 'die Öffentlichkeit informieren' (to inform the public), 'die Öffentlichkeit erreichen' (to reach the public), or 'die Öffentlichkeit täuschen' (to deceive the public).
EXAMPLE
Mit der Kampagne will die Regierung die breite Öffentlichkeit erreichen.
With the campaign, the government wants to reach the wider public.
Fixed expression
The expression 'an die Öffentlichkeit gehen' (to go public) describes the act of making secret information public. The information being revealed is often introduced with the preposition 'mit' (with).
EXAMPLE
Er entschied sich, mit den Beweisen an die Öffentlichkeit zu gehen.
He decided to go public with the evidence.
Usage pattern
The expression 'in der Öffentlichkeit' (in public) describes a place or situation where one can be seen by strangers. It contrasts with 'im Privaten' (in private) or 'zu Hause' (at home).
EXAMPLE
Bitte streitet euch nicht hier in der Öffentlichkeit.
Please don't argue here in public.
Compare with
Öffentlichkeit vs Welt
world
Welt and Öffentlichkeit can refer to people as a whole. Welt sounds more general and often somewhat more figurative, while Öffentlichkeit refers objectively to the general public or an audience. In formal information and news reports, Öffentlichkeit is usually the more appropriate choice.
Öffentlichkeit
Die Öffentlichkeit erfuhr erst gestern von dem überraschenden Ergebnis.
The public did not find out about the surprising result until yesterday.
Welt
Die Welt erfuhr erst gestern von dem überraschenden Ergebnis.
The world did not find out about the surprising result until yesterday.
In real life
Loading video examples...