der
Völkermord
📖 Meaning of Völkermord
Der Völkermord (masculine) means genocide. It refers to the intentional and systematic destruction, or attempted destruction, of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group as such. It is a severe crime against humanity under international law.
🚨 There is only this one article (der) and this one, very specific and serious meaning. Confusion or improper use should absolutely be avoided due to the gravity of the term.
🧐 Grammar of Völkermord in Detail
The noun "Völkermord" is masculine.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Völkermord |
| Genitive | des | Völkermords / Völkermordes |
| Dative | dem | Völkermord / Völkermorde |
| Accusative | den | Völkermord |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Völkermorde |
| Genitive | der | Völkermorde |
| Dative | den | Völkermorden |
| Accusative | die | Völkermorde |
📝 Example Sentences
- Der Völkermord ist ein international geächtetes Verbrechen.
(Genocide is an internationally condemned crime.) - Die internationale Gemeinschaft verurteilt jeden Akt des Völkermords.
(The international community condemns every act of genocide.) - Die Erinnerung an vergangene Völkermorde muss wachgehalten werden.
(The memory of past genocides must be kept alive.) - Viele Organisationen kämpfen gegen die Straflosigkeit von Völkermorden.
(Many organizations fight against impunity for genocides.)
🗣️ How to Use Völkermord?
The term "Völkermord" is primarily used in legal, political, and historical contexts. It describes a specific form of mass violence with the intent to exterminate a particular group.
⚠️ Important Note: Due to its extremely serious meaning, the word "Völkermord" should never be used lightly, excessively, or metaphorically. Such usage trivializes the severity of the crime and is inappropriate.
In German, the internationally common word Genozid is often used synonymously.
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Article Aid: The base word is "der Mord" (the murder). *Mord* is masculine. Even with "Völker" (peoples) in front, the base word determines the gender: der Völkermord.
Meaning Aid: Think of the components: Völker (peoples/nations) + Mord (murder) = murder of an entire people (or a specific group).
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms
- Genozid: The most common international and direct synonym.
- (Paraphrases): Systematische Ausrottung (systematic extermination), Massenmord an einer Gruppe (mass murder of a group).
🎭 A 'Joke'?
Angesichts der extrem ernsten Bedeutung des Wortes "Völkermord" wäre ein Witz darüber absolut unangebracht und respektlos gegenüber den Opfern solcher Gräueltaten. Es ist wichtig, diesem Begriff mit dem gebotenen Ernst zu begegnen.
Translation: Given the extremely serious meaning of the word "Völkermord" (genocide), a joke about it would be absolutely inappropriate and disrespectful to the victims of such atrocities. It is important to treat this term with the necessary seriousness.
📜 A Somber Poem
Ein Wort, so schwer, von Schmerz und Leid,
Der Völkermord, durch Raum und Zeit.
Erinnerung mahnt, vergesst es nicht,
Das dunkelste menschliche Gericht.
Aus Hass geboren, Zerstörung sät,
Ein Mahnmal, das die Welt versteht.
Nie wieder soll dies Unrecht walten,
Lasst Frieden und Respekt gestalten.
Translation:
A word so heavy, of pain and sorrow,
Der Völkermord, through space and morrow.
Remembrance warns, forget it not,
The darkest human judgment wrought.
Born of hatred, destruction sown,
A memorial the world has known.
Never again shall this injustice reign,
Let peace and respect attain.
🧩 A Riddle for Reflection
Ich bin ein Wort aus "Gruppe" und "Tod" gebracht,
Beschreibe Gräuel, von Hass entfacht.
Mein Artikel männlich, mein Inhalt schwer,
Im Recht und Geschichte find'st du mich sehr.
Ich bin ein Verbrechen, dunkel und kalt,
Die Absicht zu löschen, jung und alt.
Was bin ich?
Answer: Der Völkermord
I am a word derived from 'group' and 'death',
Describing atrocities, fueled by hatred's breath.
My article's masculine, my meaning grave,
In law and history, my presence I save.
I am a crime, both dark and cold,
The intent to erase, the young and old.
What am I?
Answer: Der Völkermord (Genocide)
💡 Other Information
Word Composition:
The term "Völkermord" was significantly influenced by the lawyer Raphael Lemkin, who coined the term "genocide" (from Greek γένος génos 'race, tribe' and Latin caedere 'to kill') and advocated for its recognition in international law. "Völkermord" is the German translation or equivalent.
Legal Context: The crime of genocide is defined in the 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and forms a core part of international criminal law.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Völkermord?
The word "Völkermord" is masculine, so the correct article is der Völkermord. It means genocide, the targeted extermination of a specific group of people.