coup attempt
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coup attempt
A failed attempt to overthrow a government illegally, often by force, and take power in the state.
Der Putschversuch wurde vom Militär innerhalb weniger Stunden niedergeschlagen.
The coup attempt was put down by the military within a few hours.
The word is structured very logically. It consists of 'der Putsch' (a violent overthrow of the government) and 'der Versuch' (attempt). A 'Putschversuch' is therefore literally the attempt at a coup.
Die Regierung sprach von einem gescheiterten Putschversuch.
The government spoke of a failed coup attempt.
The word belongs to the word family around 'putschen' (to stage a coup). The verb 'putschen' means to carry out a coup. The person who does this is 'der Putschist' (coup plotter).
Eine Gruppe von Offizieren hatte versucht zu putschen.
A group of officers had tried to stage a coup.
In political and journalistic usage, 'Putschversuch' (coup attempt) is often combined with certain verbs: to 'unternehmen' (undertake) a coup attempt, to 'vereiteln' (prevent/thwart) it, or to 'niederschlagen' (put it down by force).
Die Armee konnte den Putschversuch schnell niederschlagen.
The army was able to put down the coup attempt quickly.
revolution
'die Revolution' and 'der Putschversuch' can both have to do with the overthrow of a government. But the difference is important: a 'Revolution' is a fundamental overthrow of the political and often also social order. It can be supported by many people and usually changes the whole system. A 'Putschversuch' is an illegal attempt to take power, often by a small group and by force; it has also failed. Learners may confuse the words because both can be political and violent. Pay special attention: 'Versuch' means here that the coup was not successful.
Der Putschversuch scheiterte, weil das Militär die Regierung nicht unterstützte.
The coup attempt failed because the military did not support the government.
Nach der Revolution bekam das Land eine neue Verfassung.
After the revolution, the country got a new constitution.