Refers to the severe global economic crisis that began with the stock market crash in New York in 1929 and shaped the 1930s. It led to mass unemployment and political instability.
example
Die Weltwirtschaftskrise von 1929 hatte verheerende soziale Folgen in vielen Ländern.
The Great Depression of 1929 had devastating social consequences in many countries.
Usage tips
Word composition
This long word is a typical German compound. It consists of 'die Welt' (the world), 'die Wirtschaft' (the economy), and 'die Krise' (the crisis). The 's' in between is a linking element that connects the parts.
EXAMPLE
Die Folgen der Weltwirtschaftskrise waren weltweit zu spüren.
The consequences of the Great Depression were felt worldwide.
Context clue
Although the term could theoretically describe any global economic crisis, it almost always refers to the specific historical crisis that began in 1929. In historical texts, the word is often treated as a proper noun.
EXAMPLE
Mein Urgroßvater verlor in der Weltwirtschaftskrise seine Arbeit.
My great-grandfather lost his job during the Great Depression.
Typical collocations
In connection with the Great Depression, verbs such as 'ausbrechen' (to break out), 'beginnen' (to begin), or 'führen zu' (to lead to) are often used. People also often talk about the 'Folgen' (consequences) or 'Ursachen' (causes) of the crisis.
EXAMPLE
Die Krise führte zu hoher Arbeitslosigkeit und Armut.
The crisis led to high unemployment and poverty.
Compare with
near_synonym · confusable
Weltwirtschaftskrise vs Finanzkrise
financial crisis
'die Finanzkrise' and 'die Weltwirtschaftskrise' can both refer to severe economic crises. The difference lies in their scope and exact time period. 'die Finanzkrise' generally means a serious disruption of the financial system, for example caused by banking problems or stock market crashes. 'die Weltwirtschaftskrise' usually refers to the specific historical crisis beginning in 1929, which had major effects worldwide. The words can be confused because both are connected to stock markets, banks, and economic problems. If you are talking about a general or modern crisis in the financial system, 'Finanzkrise' fits. If you mean the crisis of the 1930s, 'Weltwirtschaftskrise' is more precise.
Weltwirtschaftskrise
Im Geschichtsunterricht sprechen wir heute über die Weltwirtschaftskrise der 1930er Jahre.
In history class today, we are talking about the Great Depression of the 1930s.
Finanzkrise
Nach der Finanzkrise verloren viele Menschen das Vertrauen in die Banken.
After the financial crisis, many people lost trust in the banks.