der  Anschluss

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈanʃlʊs/

🔌 What does "der Anschluss" mean?

The word der Anschluss (masculine) has several meanings, often revolving around the concept of connection or joining:

• Technical Connection: This is the most common meaning in everyday life. It refers to a physical or logical connection to a network or system.
  • Example: der Telefonanschluss (phone line/connection), der Internetanschluss (internet connection), der Stromanschluss (power connection), der Wasseranschluss (water connection).
  • Also in transport: der Zuganschluss (train connection).
• Social Contact / Affiliation: It can also mean making contact or becoming part of a group.
  • Example: Anschluss an eine Gruppe finden (to find connection with a group), den Anschluss an Freunde suchen (to seek connection with friends).
• Joining / Affiliation: In a political or organizational context, it means joining or affiliating with a larger entity.
  • Example: der Anschluss eines Vereins an einen Dachverband (the affiliation of a club with an umbrella organization).
• 🚨 Historical Meaning: A specific and very sensitive meaning is der Anschluss Österreichs (the annexation of Austria) by Nazi Germany in 1938. This term is often capitalized in this context ("der Anschluss") and is historically charged. It's important to be aware of this context and use it sensitively.

In general, der Anschluss describes the process or result of connecting (anschließen).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "der Anschluss" in Detail

"Anschluss" is a masculine noun. It follows the strong declension pattern.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

📝 Application Examples

1. Technik: Der Techniker überprüft den Anschluss des Routers.
   (The technician checks the router's connection.)
2. Verkehr: Wir müssen uns beeilen, um den Anschluss nach Berlin zu bekommen.
   (We have to hurry to catch the connection to Berlin.)
3. Sozial: Nach dem Umzug suchte sie schnell Anschluss in der neuen Stadt.
   (After moving, she quickly sought social contact in the new city.)
4. Historisch: Der Anschluss Österreichs 1938 war ein Wendepunkt der Geschichte.
   (The Anschluss of Austria in 1938 was a turning point in history.)
5. Plural: Die Wohnung verfügt über alle notwendigen Anschlüsse (Strom, Wasser, Internet).
   (The apartment has all the necessary connections (electricity, water, internet).)

💬 How to Use "der Anschluss"?

Context is Key

The meaning of der Anschluss heavily depends on the context:

• In technical fields (IT, electrical, plumbing), it clearly refers to a physical or logical connection.
• In a social context, it's about integration and social bonds.
• In a political/historical context, it often denotes affiliation or joining, especially the historically sensitive "Anschluss" of Austria. Handle with care here. ⚠️

Comparison with "Verbindung"

"Die Verbindung" (the connection) is often a synonym but can be more general. "Der Anschluss" often emphasizes the point where something is connected or the act of connecting itself.

• Telefonanschluss (phone line/port) vs. Telefonverbindung (phone connection, could also mean the current call).
• Zuganschluss (the connecting train) vs. Zugverbindung (the entire route or travel possibility).

Typical Phrases

• Anschluss finden/suchen: To find/seek social contact, to fit in.
• den Anschluss verpassen: To miss a connection (e.g., train), or metaphorically, to fall behind (socially, technologically).
• im Anschluss an: Following, directly after something. Example: Im Anschluss an die Sitzung gab es Kaffee. (Following the meeting, there was coffee.)

🧠 Mnemonics for "Anschluss"

Mnemonic for the Article (der):

Think of der Stecker (the plug) or der Port (the port). Technical connections often feel 'masculine' in function – they insert or establish a clear link. Just like der Anschluss.

Mnemonic for the Meaning (Connection):

To make a 'Schluss' (end, conclusion) 'an' (onto) something often means creating a connection. You attach it ON. Whether it's cables, friends, or trains – in the end, there's an Anschluss (connection).

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but Different Words:

• Abschluss: Means end, completion, or qualification (e.g., Schulabschluss - school graduation). Don't confuse with Anschluss (start of a connection)!
• Ausschluss: Means exclusion, the opposite of inclusion.

😄 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Informatiker seine Freundin: "Schatz, sollen wir heute Abend einen romantischen Netzwerk-Anschluss herstellen?" Sie: "Nur wenn die Firewall aus bleibt!" 😉

English: The computer scientist asks his girlfriend: "Honey, should we establish a romantic network connection (Netzwerk-Anschluss) tonight?" She replies: "Only if the firewall stays off!" 😉

📜 Poem about Anschluss

German:
Ein Kabel sucht, ganz unverdrossen,
Den Port, wo es wird angeschlossen.
Ein Reisender schaut auf die Uhr,
Sucht den Anschluss auf dem Bahnsteig nur.
Ein Neuer hofft, es glückt ihm schlicht,
Dass er den Anschluss nicht verliert, nicht bricht.
Der Anschluss, wichtig, klein und groß,
Verbindet Welten, gibt den Stoß.

English Translation:
A cable seeks, quite undeterred,
The port where it will be conferred.
A traveler checks the time once more,
Seeks the connection on the platform floor.
A newcomer hopes, simply put,
Not to lose connection, stay in the rut.
The Anschluss, vital, large and small,
Connects worlds, gives the push to all.

❓ Riddle

German:
Ich verbinde, was getrennt,
Bin im Netz und an der Wand präsent.
Ich bringe Züge auf die Reise
Und Menschen zusammen, auf leise Weise.
Manchmal bin ich heiß begehrt,
Manchmal historisch sehr beschwert.

Was bin ich?

English:
I connect what is separate,
I'm present in the net and on the wall, you bet.
I send trains on their way,
And bring people together, in a quiet way.
Sometimes I am highly sought,
Sometimes with history heavily fraught.

What am I? Solution: Der Anschluss

💡 Other Information

Word Origin

The word "Anschluss" is composed of the preposition an (on, onto) and the noun Schluss (end, closing, conclusion - in the sense of 'bringing something up to something else and connecting it'). It derives from the verb anschließen (to connect, to join).

Historical Context

As mentioned earlier, the term "Anschluss" is historically charged in connection with the annexation of Austria in 1938. It was a Nazi propaganda term suggesting a voluntary union, whereas it was a military occupation and annexation. Therefore, sensitivity is required when using it in a historical context.