propaganda
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propaganda
The systematic spread of ideas, opinions, or information in order to deliberately influence public opinion. The term is often used negatively and implies a one-sided, manipulative, or distorted presentation, especially for political or ideological purposes.
Das totalitäre Regime setzte alle Medien für seine politische Propaganda ein.
The totalitarian regime used all media for its political propaganda.
In modern German, 'Propaganda' (propaganda) almost always has a negative meaning. The word is associated with manipulation, untruth, and one-sided influence, and is not a neutral term for advertising or information.
Die Zeitung wurde beschuldigt, Regierungspropaganda zu verbreiten.
The newspaper was accused of spreading government propaganda.
The word 'Propaganda' (propaganda) is almost always used in the singular, since it is considered a collective term for a type of information. A plural form is very unusual in general usage.
Das Land investiert viel Geld in seine Propaganda im Ausland.
The country invests a lot of money in its propaganda abroad.
'Propaganda' (propaganda) is often used with verbs such as 'betreiben' (to engage in), 'machen' (to make), or 'verbreiten' (to spread). Common adjectives are 'politische' (political), 'staatliche' (state), or 'gezielte' (targeted) propaganda.
Die Opposition warnt vor der gezielten Propaganda der Regierungspartei.
The opposition warns against the targeted propaganda of the governing party.
advertising / ad
'Werbung' and 'Propaganda' both aim to influence people or convince them of something. 'Werbung' is used mostly for products, services, or also for a cause for which someone is seeking support. The word can be neutral. 'Propaganda' is more appropriate for politics, ideology, or strong opinions, and it often sounds negative because the information may be one-sided or manipulative. The words can be confused when the topic is not a product, but ideas. As a simple guide: 'Werbung' usually wants to create interest or sell something, while 'Propaganda' wants to deliberately steer thinking and opinion.
Viele Menschen misstrauten der Propaganda, weil nur eine Seite der Geschichte gezeigt wurde.
Many people distrusted the propaganda because only one side of the story was shown.
Die Werbung für den neuen Sprachkurs hängt schon an der Tür der Schule.
The advertising for the new language course is already hanging on the school door.