das  Machtwort

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈmaxtˌvɔʁt/

🗣️ What does "das Machtwort" mean?

Das Machtwort (neuter noun) refers to a decisive, often authoritative statement that ends a discussion, argument, or ambiguity. It is typically spoken by a person who possesses the necessary authority or power (die Macht) to enforce a final decision.

Think of it as the final word (das Wort) on a matter, which tolerates no further contradiction. It signals the end of the debate and the start of implementation.

⚠️ It often carries a strong, sometimes even negative connotation, as it emphasizes hierarchy and the termination of discussion.

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Das Machtwort

"Machtwort" is a neuter noun and takes the article das. The plural "die Machtworte" is very rare and hardly ever used, as it usually refers to a specific, singular statement.

Singular Declension

Example Sentences

• Nach stundenlanger Diskussion sprach der Chef endlich ein Machtwort.
  (After hours of discussion, the boss finally spoke a decisive word / put his foot down.)
• Die Mutter musste ein Machtwort sprechen, um den Streit der Kinder zu beenden.
  (The mother had to lay down the law to end the children's argument.)
• Manchmal ist ein Machtwort nötig, um eine Entscheidung herbeizuführen.
  (Sometimes an authoritative word is necessary to bring about a decision.)

💬 When to use "ein Machtwort sprechen"?

The phrase "ein Machtwort sprechen" (literally: to speak a power word) is used when a person uses their authority to resolve a deadlock situation or make a final decision.

Typical Contexts:

• Work: A supervisor ends an endless team debate. (e.g., Der Projektleiter sprach ein Machtwort und entschied sich für Plan B. - The project manager put his foot down and decided on Plan B.)
• Family: A parent ends a fight between siblings. (e.g., Papa sprach ein Machtwort: Es wird jetzt aufgeräumt! - Dad laid down the law: Tidy up now!)
• Politics: A head of government or party leader sets a clear direction. (e.g., Die Kanzlerin sprach in der Koalitionsrunde ein Machtwort. - The Chancellor spoke authoritatively in the coalition meeting.)

It always implies a power imbalance and that the discussion is (at least for now) over. It's stronger than a normal command (Befehl) or decision (Entscheidung) because it often presupposes a prior phase of disagreement or hesitation.

🧠 Mnemonics

Article Mnemonic: Think of das WORD. Many abstract nouns ending in "-wort" in German are neuter (das Sprichwort - proverb, das Schlagwort - keyword, das Losungswort - password). So is das Machtwort.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone has the MIGHT (Macht) to decide everything with just one WORD (Wort). That single word is das Machtwort – the word backed by might/power.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

Watch out for similar words:

Don't confuse it with "Kraftwort" (a strong word, often vulgar, swear word) or "Schlagwort" (catchword, slogan).

😂 A Little Joke

Warum sprechen Politiker so oft ein Machtwort?
(Why do politicians speak a "Machtwort" so often?)

Damit sie endlich mal das letzte Wort haben – zumindest bis zur nächsten Talkshow! 😄
(So they can finally have the last word – at least until the next talk show! 😄)

📜 Poem about the Word

Die Debatte hitzig, wild und laut,
(The debate hot, wild and loud,)
Kein Ende naht, man fühlt sich ausgeraubt
(No end in sight, one feels robbed)
Von Zeit und Sinn, im Kreis sich dreht,
(Of time and sense, turning in circles,)
Bis einer aufsteht, spät,
(Until someone stands up, late,)
Und spricht mit Stimm', die fest und klar,
(And speaks with a voice, firm and clear,)
Das Machtwort, endlich ist es da!
(The decisive word, finally it is here!)
Die Ruhe kehrt zurück ins Haus,
(Calm returns to the house,)
Die Diskussion ist aus.
(The discussion is over.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich beende Streit und Diskussion,
(I end arguments and discussion,)
Komme oft von Chefetage oder Thron.
(Often come from the executive floor or throne.)
Ich brauche Macht, um zu bestehen,
(I need power to exist,)
Danach gibt’s meist kein Widersehen
(Afterwards, there's usually no seeing again)
Der Argumente, hin und her.
(Of arguments, back and forth.)
Wer bin ich? Sag es mir, bitte sehr!
(Who am I? Tell me, please!)

Solution: Das Machtwort

➕ Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Machtwort" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Die Macht: Power, might, authority.
• Das Wort: Word.

Together, they form the meaning of a word that gains weight through the speaker's power and brings about a decision.

Cultural Note: In German culture, speaking a "Machtwort" can be perceived differently depending on the context: either as necessary and efficient or as authoritarian and undemocratic.