A conference at which high-ranking politicians, military officials, and experts discuss issues of international security policy.
example
Jedes Jahr treffen sich Staats- und Regierungschefs bei der Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz.
Every year, heads of state and government meet at the Munich Security Conference.
Usage tips
Word composition
This long word is easy to understand if you break it down: It consists of 'Sicherheit' (security), the linking -s, and 'Konferenz' (conference). So it is literally a conference on the topic of security.
EXAMPLE
Die Tagesordnung der Sicherheitskonferenz ist streng geheim.
The agenda of the security conference is strictly confidential.
Word family
The component 'Sicherheits-' (security) is very productive in German and forms many important words in politics and technology, e.g. 'Sicherheitspolitik' (security policy), 'Sicherheitsrisiko' (security risk), or 'Sicherheitslücke' (security vulnerability).
EXAMPLE
Die aktuelle Sicherheitspolitik war ein zentrales Thema.
Current security policy was a central topic.
Well-known example
By far the best-known event of this kind is the 'Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz' (Munich Security Conference). In the news, people often simply speak of 'der Sicherheitskonferenz' (the security conference), meaning this specific meeting.
EXAMPLE
Die Außenministerin reist zur Sicherheitskonferenz nach München.
The foreign minister is traveling to the security conference in Munich.