das  Hakenkreuz

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈhaːkn̩ˌkʁɔɪ̯ts/

📜 What does Hakenkreuz mean?

The Hakenkreuz is a cross symbol with arms bent at right angles (𝕊). Originally a symbol of good fortune and the sun in many cultures worldwide (e.g., Hinduism, Buddhism), it became the central symbol of National Socialism (Nazism) in Germany in the 20th century.

🚨 Important Note: Due to its use by the National Socialists, the Hakenkreuz is today inextricably linked with the crimes of the Nazi regime, the Holocaust, racism, and antisemitism. Its public display is strictly forbidden in Germany and many other countries (see German Criminal Code § 86a), except in clearly defined contexts such as education, art, or science that serve to enlighten or reject Nazi ideology.

It only has one article: das Hakenkreuz.

📊 Grammar of 'das Hakenkreuz'

The word "Hakenkreuz" is a neuter noun.

Declension

Example Sentences

• Das Hakenkreuz war das Symbol der NSDAP.
  (The Hakenkreuz was the symbol of the Nazi party.)
• Die Verwendung des Hakenkreuzes ist in Deutschland gesetzlich verboten.
  (The use of the Hakenkreuz is legally forbidden in Germany.)
• Archäologen fanden alte Artefakte mit Hakenkreuzen, die Tausende von Jahren alt sind.
  (Archaeologists found ancient artifacts with swastikas that are thousands of years old.)
• Der Anblick eines Hakenkreuzes ist für viele Menschen schmerzhaft und verstörend.
  (The sight of a Hakenkreuz is painful and disturbing for many people.)

🚫 Usage and Context

Using the word and symbol 'Hakenkreuz' is extremely sensitive and almost exclusively restricted to historical, legal, educational, or scientific contexts.

• Historical Context: Discussing the era of National Socialism, the Nazi party (NSDAP), World War II, and the Holocaust.
• Legal Context: Referring to § 86a of the German Criminal Code (StGB) - 'Use of symbols of unconstitutional organizations'.
• Educational Context: Educating about the dangers of totalitarian ideologies and 20th-century history.
• Cultural/Religious Context (outside Europe): In Asia, the swastika (which geometrically corresponds to the Hakenkreuz) continues to hold positive religious significance. It's crucial to differentiate this, despite the visual similarity.

⚠️ Avoid: Any use that trivializes, glorifies, or displays the symbol outside the contexts mentioned above is not only socially unacceptable but also a criminal offense in Germany. The term 'Swastika' is often used in international or non-European cultural contexts, while 'Hakenkreuz' primarily carries the Nazi connotation.

🧠 Remembering 'das Hakenkreuz'

Given the symbol's grave significance, standard 'fun' mnemonics are inappropriate. However, you can remember the article and reflect on the meaning:

Article: Think of 'das Kreuz' (the cross). The Hakenkreuz is a type of cross, and 'Kreuz' is neuter (das Kreuz). So, the article remains das.

Meaning: The 'Haken' (hooks) on this cross symbolically represent being hooked or ensnared by a destructive, inhuman ideology. Think of the heavy historical burden (like hooks) attached to the cross.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms (Counter-Symbols)

🚨 Important: Distinguishing between the Nazi Hakenkreuz and the swastika in other cultures is essential, even if they look identical or very similar. Context is key.

🎭 A Joke?

No. Jokes about the Hakenkreuz or National Socialism are absolutely inappropriate and can hurt the feelings of victims and their descendants. They trivialize the horrific crimes of that era. Furthermore, spreading such content can have legal consequences in Germany and elsewhere.

📜 A Symbol That Warns

Ein Kreuz, gebrochen, voller Haken,
Einst heilig, dann zu bösem Laken.
Es deckte Land mit Hass und Leid,
Raubte Würde, Menschlichkeit.
Sein Anblick mahnt, vergiss es nie,
Die Fratze dunkler Ideologie.
Nicht schmücken soll's, nur lehren klar:
Nie wieder sei, was damals war.

(A cross, broken, full of hooks,
Once sacred, then an evil sheet.
It covered land with hate and suffering,
Stole dignity, humanity.
Its sight warns, never forget,
The grimace of dark ideology.
It shouldn't adorn, only teach clearly:
Never again shall be what once was.)

❓ A Riddle

Ich bin ein Kreuz mit Haken dran,
Einst Glücksbringer in fernem Land.
Doch eine dunkle Zeit mich stahl,
brachte unendlich Leid und Qual.
Mein Zeigen ist heut streng verwehrt,
damit das Böse nie wiederkehrt.

Wer bin ich?
(I am a cross with hooks attached,
Once a bringer of luck in a distant land.
But a dark time stole me,
brought infinite suffering and torment.
Displaying me today is strictly forbidden,
so that evil never returns.

Who am I?)
Answer: Das Hakenkreuz (The Swastika/Hakenkreuz)

➕ Other Information

Word Composition

The word 'Hakenkreuz' is composed of:

• Haken: Meaning 'hook', referring to the bent arms of the symbol.
• Kreuz: Meaning 'cross', referring to the basic shape.

Pre-Nazi History

The swastika (the shape of the Hakenkreuz) is one of humanity's oldest symbols, found in numerous cultures and eras worldwide, from Europe to Asia and the Americas. In Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, it remains an important religious symbol of good fortune and protection to this day. These original meanings stand in stark contrast to its perversion by the National Socialists.

Legal Situation in Germany

The public display of the Hakenkreuz or symbols confusingly similar to it is prohibited and punishable under Section 86a of the German Criminal Code (StGB). Exceptions apply only for purposes of civic education, countering unconstitutional efforts, art or science, research or teaching, reporting on current or historical events, or similar purposes.