der  Neoliberalismus

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/neːoliˌbɛʁaˈlɪsmʊs/

🌐 What does Neoliberalismus mean?

Der Neoliberalismus is a political and economic ideology that emerged in the mid-20th century and gained influence from the 1970s onwards. It emphasizes the importance of free markets, private initiative, and a lean state.

Core ideas of Neoliberalismus include:

• Deregulation: Reducing state regulations and controls on the economy.
• Privatization: Transferring state-owned enterprises and services to private ownership.
• Free trade: Removing tariffs and other trade barriers.
• Stable monetary policy: Focusing on low inflation, often through independent central banks.
• Fiscal discipline: Reducing government spending and public debt.

The term is often used critically to describe political and economic measures perceived as socially unjust or promoting inequality. ⚠️ It is a complex term with many facets and interpretations.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar in Detail: Der Neoliberalismus

Der Neoliberalismus is a masculine noun. It is mostly used in the singular as it refers to a concept or ideology. A plural form ("die Neoliberalismen") is grammatically possible but very rare and would refer to different variations or theories of neoliberalism.

Examples

1. Der Neoliberalismus prägte die Wirtschaftspolitik vieler Länder seit den 1980er Jahren.
   (Neoliberalism shaped the economic policy of many countries since the 1980s.)
2. Die Auswirkungen des Neoliberalismus auf die Gesellschaft werden kontrovers diskutiert.
   (The effects of neoliberalism on society are controversially discussed.)
3. Manche Kritiker stehen dem Neoliberalismus sehr ablehnend gegenüber.
   (Some critics are very opposed to neoliberalism.)
4. Sie analysierte den Neoliberalismus in ihrer Doktorarbeit.
   (She analyzed neoliberalism in her doctoral thesis.)

🗣️ Usage in Context

The term Neoliberalismus is primarily used in political, economic, and social science discussions. It frequently appears in debates about globalization, the welfare state, deregulation, and economic policy.

• Academic Context: In scholarly works analyzing political and economic theories and practices.
• Political Discourse: Often used as a charged term (Kampfbegriff), both by proponents (less common) and critics (more common). Critics often associate it with social inequality, erosion of workers' rights, or financial crises.
• Media: In reports and commentaries on economic policy decisions or global trends.

⚠️ The term often carries negative connotations and is sometimes rejected or defined differently by those whose policies are described as neoliberal. The precise meaning can vary depending on the context and the speaker.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of der Liberalismus (liberalism). The "Neo-" (new) prefix doesn't change the gender. It's der Liberalismus, so it's der Neoliberalismus. Both are political concepts often ending in -ismus, which are typically masculine (der).

Meaning Mnemonic: Neo = new, Liberalismus = liberalism (especially economic). So, it's a "new" form of economic liberalism, often associated with less government and more market freedom. Imagine "Neo" from The Matrix bending the rules (Regulierungen - regulations) for more (market) freedom.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but distinct terms:

• Klassischer Liberalismus: Classical liberalism - Historical movement of the 18th/19th centuries, focus on individual liberties, rule of law, limited government. Neoliberalism builds upon it but has more specific economic policy focuses.
• Libertarismus: Libertarianism - More radical form seeking to reduce state intervention to an absolute minimum (e.g., only protection of property and person).

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Ökonom den anderen: „Was ist der Unterschied zwischen Neoliberalismus und einem Zauberer?“
(One economist asks another: "What's the difference between neoliberalism and a magician?")

Antwortet der andere: „Der Zauberer sägt die Frau nur in der Mitte durch, der Neoliberalismus den ganzen Sozialstaat!“
(The other replies: "The magician only saws the woman in half, neoliberalism saws the whole welfare state!")

(Please note: This is a humorous exaggeration of a critical viewpoint.)

📜 Poem about the Term

Der Neoliberalismus

Der Markt, so heißt's, regelt es schon, (The market, they say, handles it all,)
Privat vor Staat, das ist der Ton. (Private over state, that's the call.)
Der Wettbewerb, er soll's beleben, (Competition is meant to enliven,)
Nach Effizienz und Wachstum streben. (Striving for efficiency and growth driven.)

Der Staat tritt leis und schlank zurück, (The state steps back, quiet and lean,)
Dem Kapital gehört das Glück? (Does happiness belong to capital's scene?)
Die Freiheit groß, doch für wen bloß? (Freedom is great, but just for whom?)
So mancher fühlt sich haltlos. (So many feel adrift in the room.)

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin eine Idee, oft heiß diskutiert,
(I am an idea, often hotly debated,)
Hab „neu“ im Namen, doch bin etabliert.
(Have "new" in my name, yet I'm established, fated.)
Ich liebe den Markt, find Regeln oft schlecht,
(I love the market, find rules often bad,)
Privatisierung ist mir gerade recht.
(Privatization makes me quite glad.)

Man sagt, ich schaffe Wohlstand und Schwung,
(They say I create prosperity and verve,)
Doch Kritiker sehen soziale Spaltung.
(But critics see social division unnerve.)

Wer bin ich, mit „der“ als Begleiter bekannt?
(Who am I, known with "der" as my article grant?)

Solution: Der Neoliberalismus

ℹ️ Additional Information

Word Composition:

The word is composed of:

• Neo-: Greek prefix for "new".
• Liberalismus: Liberalism - Political and economic philosophy emphasizing freedom and individual rights.

Origin: The term was originally coined in the 1930s (Walter Lippmann Colloquium) to describe a renewal of classical liberalism that drew lessons from the Great Depression. Its current meaning, more strongly associated with thinkers like Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman and the policies of Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan, developed later.

Associated figures/schools: Mont Pèlerin Society, Chicago school of economics.