der  Boykott

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/bɔɪˈkɔt/

📖 What exactly is a 'Boykott'?

The German word der Boykott refers to the organized refusal to maintain relations (especially economic ones) with a specific person, group, organization, or country. The goal is usually to exert pressure to force or prevent certain behavior.

It is a form of protest or sanction, often used in political or economic contexts. The term originates from the name of the Irish land agent Captain Charles C. Boycott, against whom this method was first used by the Irish Land League in 1880.

Since it only uses the article der, there is no risk of confusion regarding different meanings due to different articles. ⚠️ Pay attention to the correct pronunciation, which is oriented towards English: [ˈbɔɪ̯kɔt].

🧐 Grammar of 'der Boykott' in Detail

The word "Boykott" is a masculine noun. It is declined as follows:

Note: For the genitive singular and in the plural, both forms (with or without -s for plural, with -s or -es for genitive singular) are often possible, although the forms without an additional -e or with -s in the plural are more common.

Example Sentences

1. Die Organisation rief zum Boykott der Produkte auf. (The organization called for a boycott of the products.)
2. Der wirtschaftliche Schaden des Boykotts war enorm. (The economic damage of the boycott was enormous.)
3. Viele schlossen sich dem Boykott an. (Many joined the boycott.)
4. Sie beschlossen einen Boykott, um gegen die unfairen Bedingungen zu protestieren. (They decided on a boycott to protest against the unfair conditions.)
5. Weltweite Boykotte wurden gegen das Regime verhängt. (Worldwide boycotts were imposed against the regime.)

🗣️ How to Use 'Boykott'?

The term "Boykott" is used to express a targeted refusal. Typical contexts include:

• Politics: Boycott of elections, international conferences, or specific states (e.g., sports boycott at the Olympic Games).
• Economy: Boycott of goods or services from specific companies (consumer boycott) or entire countries (trade boycott).
• Social: Social boycott of a person or group (ostracism, shunning).

One often speaks of einen Boykott verhängen (to impose), organisieren (to organize), durchführen (to carry out), or dazu aufrufen (to call for). The opposite would be to einen Boykott brechen (to break) or aufheben (to lift).

Distinction: A Boykott is often an action initiated from below (e.g., by consumers) or from outside. An Embargo, on the other hand, is usually a state-ordered measure restricting trade. A Streik (strike) is a work stoppage by employees.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of similar forms of protest: der Protest, der Streik (strike), der Widerstand (resistance) – and also der Boykott. All strong, 'masculine' actions in German grammar.

Meaning Mnemonic: The name sounds like "Boy cut". Imagine a boy cutting off the connection to something – he boykottiert it (he boycotts it).

↔️ Antonyms and Alternative Words for Boykott

⚠️ Similar but not identical terms:

• Embargo: A government order prohibiting the export or import of goods/services.
• Streik: A work stoppage by employees to enforce demands.
• Sanktion: A penalty or coercive measure, often imposed by a state or internationally.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Kühlschrank die Milch boykottiert?
Weil sie sauer war!

(Why did the refrigerator boycott the milk?
Because it was sour! / Because she [the milk] was mad/upset! - It's a pun, 'sauer' means both 'sour' and 'angry/mad'.)

✍️ Poem about the Boykott

Ein Ruf geht um, im ganzen Land,
Nimm diese Ware nicht zur Hand!
Ein Zeichen setzen, stark und klar,
Das Unrecht wird nicht hinnehmbar. Der Boykott, er eint die Schar,
Macht Druck, dass Wandel werd' nun wahr.

(A call goes out, across the land,
Don't take these goods into your hand!
To set a sign, strong and clear,
The injustice won't be accepted here.
The boycott, it unites the crowd,
Applies pressure, so change is now allowed.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Nein, das viele sagen,
um Handel oder Kauf zu verjagen.
Ich übe Druck aus, still und laut,
werde oft aus Protest gebaut.
Mit 'der' steh ich im deutschen Satz.

Was bin ich wohl für ein Schatz (oder Schreck)?

(I am a 'no' that many say,
To chase off trade or purchase away.
I exert pressure, silent and loud,
Often built out of protest by a crowd.
With 'der' I stand in a German phrase.

What kind of treasure (or terror) am I in these days?)

Solution: der Boykott

💡 Other Interesting Facts

Etymology: As mentioned earlier, the word traces back to the Irish land agent Captain Charles Cunningham Boycott (1832–1897). The tactic of isolating him socially and economically was used by the Irish Land League under Charles Stewart Parnell and proved effective.

Word Compounds: The word "Boykott" is often part of compound nouns (Komposita) that specify the area of the boycott, e.g.:

• Warenboykott (goods boycott)
• Konsumboykott / Käuferboykott (consumer boycott / buyer boycott)
• Sportboykott (sports boycott)
• Wahlboykott (election boycott)
• Lieferboykott (delivery boycott)