der  Generalstreik

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡeneʁaːlʃtʁaɪk/

🌍 What does 'der Generalstreik' mean?

Der Generalstreik translates to general strike in English. It refers to a cessation of work that extends across an entire economic sector, a whole region, or even an entire country. Unlike a normal strike (Streik), which is usually limited to one company or industry, a Generalstreik aims to exert maximum pressure on employers or the government through the participation of a very large number of workers from various sectors to achieve political or economic goals. It is one of the most powerful, but also most controversial, forms of industrial action.

Since the word only takes the article 'der', there are no different meanings based on the article. It's a masculine noun.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Generalstreik

The word "Generalstreik" is a masculine noun. Its declension is as follows:

📝 Example Sentences

• Die Gewerkschaften riefen zum Generalstreik auf.
  (The unions called for a general strike.)
• Der Generalstreik legte das öffentliche Leben lahm.
  (The general strike paralyzed public life.)
• Die Auswirkungen des Generalstreiks waren im ganzen Land spürbar.
  (The effects of the general strike were felt throughout the country.)
• Man diskutierte über die Rechtmäßigkeit eines Generalstreiks.
  (The legality of a general strike was discussed.)

🗣️ How is 'Generalstreik' used?

The term Generalstreik is primarily used in the context of political disputes, social movements, and labor conflicts (Arbeitskämpfe). It describes an extreme situation where large parts of the working population stop working to lend weight to political or comprehensive economic demands.

• Context: News reports, political discussions, historical accounts, trade union publications.
• Intention: Often aims to force fundamental changes or protest against serious grievances.
• Distinction: A Warnstreik (warning strike) is usually short and sector-specific, a Teilstreik (partial strike) affects only certain departments or companies, while the Generalstreik represents a widespread cessation of work.

⚠️ In Germany, the legality of purely political general strikes is controversial and subject to high hurdles.

💡 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article 'der': Think of 'der' for daunting or drastic, which a general strike often is. Or imagine a male General (der General) ordering the strike.

For the meaning: Think of a military General ordering a strike that affects the country in general (everywhere). All work stops.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Terms

• Streik (der): The general term for strike, but can also be more specific (e.g., Warnstreik).
• Aussperrung (die): (Lockout) A measure taken by employers where employees are excluded from work.

😄 A Little Joke

Frage: Was ist der Unterschied zwischen einem normalen Montag und einem Generalstreik?

Antwort: Beim Generalstreik wissen wenigstens alle, warum sie nicht zur Arbeit gehen wollen!

Translation:

Question: What's the difference between a normal Monday and a general strike?

Answer: During a general strike, at least everyone knows why they don't want to go to work!

📜 A Short Poem

Die Räder stehen still im Land,
Ein Ruf geht durch mit starker Hand.
Kein Hammer schlägt, kein Zug mehr fährt,
Der Generalstreik ward erklärt.

Für Recht und Lohn, für bess're Zeit,
Steht alles still, weit und breit.
Ein mächtig Zeichen, laut und klar,
Was Einigkeit vermag, wird wahr.

Translation:

The wheels stand still across the land,
A call goes out with a strong hand.
No hammer strikes, no train departs,
The general strike now plays its parts.

For rights and wages, better days,
All stands still, in wide arrays.
A mighty signal, loud and clear,
What unity can do is here.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich lege alles lahm, im ganzen Land,
Bin weder Aufstand noch nur Sand
im Getriebe, sondern mehr,
von vielen Händen komm ich her.
Ich bin kein Krieg, doch eine Waffe stark,
im Kampf um Lohn und bess'ren Tag im Park
der Arbeitnehmer, groß und breit.
Was bin ich für 'ne Streik-Gelegenheit?

Lösung: Der Generalstreik

Translation:

I paralyze everything, throughout the land,
I'm neither revolt nor merely sand
in the gears, but something more,
From many hands, I come ashore.
I am no war, yet a weapon strong,
In the fight for wages and a better day along
The workers' path, both broad and wide.
What kind of strike opportunity do I hide?

Answer: Der Generalstreik (The General Strike)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition:

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

• General-: Derived from the Latin generalis, here meaning 'general', 'comprehensive', 'covering all areas'.
• Streik (der): Strike, work stoppage as a tool in labor disputes.

Together, the meaning is therefore a general, comprehensive work stoppage.

Historical Significance: General strikes have played significant roles in the history of various countries, often during revolutionary or politically tense times, such as the Kapp Putsch in Germany in 1920, which was largely defeated by a general strike.