coup
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coup
A violent and unconstitutional overthrow of the existing government by a small group, often by the military. Another word for this is 'Putsch' (putsch/coup).
Das Militär versuchte, durch einen Staatsstreich die Macht im Land zu übernehmen.
The military tried to seize power in the country through a coup.
The word consists of 'Staat' (state), the linking element '-s-', and 'Streich' (blow/trick). A 'Streich' is a blow or a cunning act. So a Staatsstreich is figuratively a 'blow against the state' intended to overthrow the government.
Die Anführer des gescheiterten Staatsstreichs wurden verhaftet.
The leaders of the failed coup were arrested.
'Staatsstreich' (coup) is often combined with verbs that describe the attempt, execution, or failure. Typical phrases are: 'einen Staatsstreich planen' (to plan a coup), 'durchführen' (to carry out), 'versuchen' (to attempt), or 'ein Staatsstreich scheitert' (a coup fails).
Eine Gruppe von Generälen plante einen Staatsstreich gegen den Präsidenten.
A group of generals planned a coup against the president.
A Staatsstreich (coup) is often carried out by a small but powerful group. In many cases, the military is the driving force behind such an attempted overthrow.
Die Bevölkerung fürchtete einen Staatsstreich durch das Militär.
The population feared a coup by the military.
coup
Putsch and Staatsstreich both refer to a violent, illegal seizure of power by a small group. Putsch emphasizes the attempt more strongly, whereas Staatsstreich describes the overthrow as a political event. When the seizure of power is successful, either word can therefore be appropriate.
Durch den Staatsstreich wurde die Regierung am Morgen gestürzt.
The coup overthrew the government that morning.
Der Putsch begann am Morgen, doch die Regierung blieb zunächst im Amt.
The coup began in the morning, but the government initially remained in office.
