purge / cleaning
Loading your saved state.
purge
The systematic removal, persecution, imprisonment, or killing of political opponents or certain population groups by a regime. The term is strongly negative and often euphemistic for crimes.
In der Geschichte gab es viele Diktaturen, die politische Säuberungen durchführten.
Throughout history, there have been many dictatorships that carried out political purges.
The word is derived from the verb 'säubern' (to clean). The ending '-ung' turns it into a feminine noun. This origin explains the basic meaning of cleaning.
Die Säuberung der Tastatur ist eine knifflige Arbeit.
Cleaning the keyboard is a tricky job.
The meaning of the word changes dramatically with context. If it is about dirt, data, or objects, it means 'Reinigung' (cleaning). If it is about politics, people, or ideologies, the strongly negative meaning 'politische Verfolgung' (political persecution) is meant.
Die Säuberung der Abwasserrohre verhinderte eine Überschwemmung.
The cleaning of the sewage pipes prevented a flood.
In a political context, 'Säuberung' (purge) is an extremely negatively charged word. It is often a euphemism for the persecution, expulsion, or murder of people and is associated with the crimes of dictatorships.
Historiker untersuchen die Mechanismen der politischen Säuberungen des 20. Jahrhunderts.
Historians study the mechanisms of the political purges of the 20th century.
pursuit / persecution
'die Verfolgung' and 'die Säuberung' can both describe severe violence or oppression against people or groups. 'Verfolgung' is more general: people are discriminated against, threatened, or mistreated because of their religion, origin, or political views. 'Säuberung' is stronger and usually means a systematic action by a regime in which opponents or groups are removed, imprisoned, or killed. The word often sounds like a euphemism for crimes. The words can be confused because both can be political and violent. 'Verfolgung' is the broader term, while 'Säuberung' describes a particularly organized and brutal form.
Die Säuberung durch das Regime traf vor allem politische Gegner.
The purge by the regime mainly targeted political opponents.
Viele Familien flohen wegen der politischen Verfolgung aus ihrem Land.
Many families fled their country because of political persecution.