conspiracy
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conspiracy
A secret plan by a group of people to carry out something illegal or harmful together, often directed against a person or institution.
Die Polizei deckte eine Verschwörung zum Sturz der Regierung auf.
The police uncovered a conspiracy to overthrow the government.
The word is derived from the verb 'sich verschwören' (to conspire). This consists of the prefix 'ver-' and 'schwören' (to swear). A 'Verschwörung' (conspiracy) is therefore the result of people secretly swearing a common oath in order to achieve a goal.
Die Gruppe hatte sich verschworen, um den Direktor zu stürzen.
The group had conspired to overthrow the director.
To name the target or person against whom a secret plan is directed, the preposition 'gegen' (against) with the accusative is almost always used.
Es gab eine Verschwörung gegen den König.
There was a conspiracy against the king.
The context reveals whether a real plan (m01) or a theory (m02) is meant. Verbs like 'aufdecken' (to uncover) or 'planen' (to plan) point to a real plan. Verbs like 'glauben' (to believe) or the word 'Theorie' (theory) point to the idea of a conspiracy.
Der Detektiv deckte eine echte Verschwörung auf.
The detective uncovered a real conspiracy.
In the context of a secret plan, 'Verschwörung' is often combined with verbs like 'anzetteln' (to instigate/start), 'aufdecken' (to uncover/discover), or 'verhindern' (to prevent).
Die Sicherheitskräfte konnten die Verschwörung rechtzeitig verhindern.
The security forces were able to prevent the conspiracy in time.
agreement / arrangement
'Verschwörung' and 'Absprache' can both refer to a shared plan made by several people. The most important difference is the evaluation. An 'Absprache' is often completely normal and practical: people coordinate something so that everyone knows what to do. However, it can also be secret and unfair, for example between companies. A 'Verschwörung' is much more strongly negative: it is secret and usually has an illegal or harmful goal. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with planning in a group. For neutral planning, people usually say 'Absprache'. For a dangerous secret plan, they say 'Verschwörung'.
Die Polizei entdeckte eine Verschwörung gegen den Bürgermeister.
The police discovered a conspiracy against the mayor.
Vor dem Termin treffen wir noch eine kurze Absprache mit der Kollegin.
Before the appointment, we will have a quick discussion with our colleague to coordinate.