die  Fremdenfeindlichkeit

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfʁɛm.dənˌfaɪ̯ntlɪçkaɪ̯t/

🌍 What does Fremdenfeindlichkeit mean?

Die Fremdenfeindlichkeit is the German word for xenophobia. It describes a rejecting or hostile attitude towards people perceived as 'foreign' (fremd), often based on their origin, culture, religion, or appearance. It's a form of group-focused enmity (Gruppenbezogene Menschenfeindlichkeit).

The word is a feminine noun (Femininum), hence used with the article 'die'. It's a crucial concept in social, political, and ethical discussions. 🚨 It is a negatively connotated word describing a serious societal problem.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: die Fremdenfeindlichkeit

The noun 'Fremdenfeindlichkeit' is feminine. It is mostly used in the singular because it describes an abstract concept. The plural form is rare but grammatically possible (e.g., when referring to different manifestations or cases).

📝 Example Sentences

• Der Bericht analysiert das Ausmaß der Fremdenfeindlichkeit in der Gesellschaft.
  (The report analyzes the extent of xenophobia in society.)
• Wir müssen uns aktiv gegen jede Form von Fremdenfeindlichkeit einsetzen.
  (We must actively oppose any form of xenophobia.)
• Leider gibt es immer wieder Vorfälle, die von Fremdenfeindlichkeit zeugen.
  (Unfortunately, there are recurring incidents that bear witness to xenophobia.)

🗣️ Usage in Context

'Die Fremdenfeindlichkeit' is mainly used in discussions about social problems, politics, integration, and human rights. It is a strongly negative term.

• Context: Often found in news reports, political debates, academic studies on racism and discrimination.
• Distinction: While Rassismus (racism) often relates to biological characteristics, Fremdenfeindlichkeit targets the rejection of the 'foreign' (origin, culture) more broadly. However, the boundaries are often blurred. Xenophobie is a common international synonym.
• Intensity: The term describes an attitude ranging from prejudice to open aggression and violence.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Nouns ending in "-keit" in German are almost always feminine (die Möglichkeit - possibility, die Sauberkeit - cleanliness...). Therefore, it's die Fremdenfeindlichkeit.

Meaning Mnemonic: Think of being 'friend-like-not' (sounds like Feindlichkeit) towards 'fremd' (foreign) people. That's hostility towards foreigners = Fremdenfeindlichkeit.

↔️ Opposites and Similar Terms

⚠️ Caution: Terms like 'Ausländerkritik' (criticism of foreigners) can sometimes be used euphemistically to downplay xenophobia. Context is crucial.

😂 A Little Joke (about the word)

Warum ist "Fremdenfeindlichkeit" so ein langes Wort?
Weil es leider viel zu viele Buchstaben braucht, um zu beschreiben, wie unnötig es ist!

Translation:

Why is "Fremdenfeindlichkeit" such a long word?
Because unfortunately, it takes far too many letters to describe how unnecessary it is!

(Note: The topic itself is serious; the 'joke' refers only to the length and complexity of the German word.)

📜 Poem about Overcoming

Mauern im Kopf, das Herz wird klein,
lässt keinen Fremden gerne rein.
Doch schau genau, was 'fremd' nur scheint,
ist Menschlichkeit, die uns vereint.

Die Angst, die Neid und Misstrau'n sät,
Fremdenfeindlichkeit, die spät
erst weicht, wenn Offenheit erwacht,
und uns zu bess'ren Menschen macht.

Translation:

Walls in the mind, the heart grows small,
lets no stranger gladly in at all.
But look closely, what just 'foreign' seems,
is humanity, uniting our dreams.

The fear, the envy, mistrust it sows,
Xenophobia, which only goes
away when openness awakes,
and better people of us makes.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin eine Haltung, dunkel und kalt,
seh' im Anderen nur den fremden Wald.
Ich schließe Türen, wo Brücken sein sollten,
und lasse Herzen grundlos erkalten.

Mein Artikel ist weiblich, mein Wesen fatal,
der Gesellschaft tu ich an große Qual.

Was bin ich? (Lösung: die Fremdenfeindlichkeit)

Translation:

I am an attitude, dark and cold,
seeing only the strange forest in others, I'm told.
I close doors where bridges should be,
and let hearts grow cold without reason, you see.

My article is feminine, my nature is fatal,
I cause great pain to society, making it unstable.

What am I? (Answer: die Fremdenfeindlichkeit / xenophobia)

💡 Interesting Word Composition

The word 'Fremdenfeindlichkeit' is a compound noun (Kompositum), composed of:

• Fremd: adjective (foreign, strange)
• -en-: linking element (here 'en' from plural genitive of Fremde(r))
• Feind: noun (enemy)
• -lich: suffix (forms the adjective 'feindlich' - hostile)
• -keit: suffix (forms a noun from the adjective, makes it feminine - abstract noun suffix, like '-ness' or '-ity')

It literally describes the quality (-keit) of being hostile (-lich) towards foreigners (Fremden-).