overthrow / toppling
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overthrow
The violent or sudden removal of an existing government or political order, often through a revolution or a coup.
Die Opposition plante einen politischen Umsturz, um die Diktatur zu beenden.
The opposition planned a political overthrow in order to end the dictatorship.
toppling
The falling over or toppling of something large, for example a tree or a structure. This meaning is less common than the political one.
Der Sturm verursachte den Umsturz mehrerer alter Bäume im Park.
The storm caused the toppling of several old trees in the park.
The word is composed of the prefix 'um-' and the noun 'der Sturz' (fall). Here, 'um-' indicates a radical change or reversal. An 'Umsturz' (overthrow) is therefore a kind of 'reversing fall' of existing conditions.
Der Sturz des Ministers war eine große Überraschung.
The fall of the minister was a big surprise.
'Der Umsturz' (overthrow) is the noun for the verb 'umstürzen' (to overthrow / to topple). When a government 'umstürzt' (collapses) or is 'umgestürzt' (overthrown), the result is an 'Umsturz' (overthrow).
Die Rebellen versuchten, die Regierung zu umstürzen.
The rebels tried to overthrow the government.
In a political context, 'Umsturz' (overthrow) is often combined with certain verbs and adjectives. Typical phrases are 'ein politischer Umsturz' (a political overthrow), 'einen Umsturz planen' (to plan an overthrow), or 'zu einem Umsturz aufrufen' (to call for an overthrow).
Die Gruppe wurde beschuldigt, einen Umsturz geplant zu haben.
The group was accused of having planned an overthrow.
revolution
Revolution and Umsturz can both refer to a violent change in the political order. Revolution also highlights the fundamental transformation of society and the existing order, whereas Umsturz primarily refers to the removal of the previous government or order. Choose Umsturz when the overthrow itself is the focus.
Der plötzliche Umsturz beseitigte die bisherige Regierung innerhalb weniger Tage.
The sudden overthrow removed the existing government within a few days.
Die Revolution veränderte nicht nur die Regierung, sondern auch die gesamte Gesellschaft.
The revolution changed not only the government but also society as a whole.
