die  Hetzjagd

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈhɛt͡sˌjaːkt/

🎯 What Exactly Does "die Hetzjagd" Mean?

The word die Hetzjagd has two main meanings:

1. Literal meaning: A hunt where game is pursued and driven (gehetzt), often with dogs, until it is exhausted or cornered. This form of hunting is largely forbidden or heavily regulated in Germany today. 🐾
2. Figurative meaning: A ruthless, often public persecution, defamation, or systematic campaign against a person or group. This often happens through the media, in politics, or in social contexts, aiming to destroy the reputation or position of those affected. 📢
   Example: Eine mediale Hetzjagd gegen einen Politiker. (A media witch hunt against a politician.)

⚠️ The figurative meaning is by far the more common usage of the word today.

🧐 Grammar of "die Hetzjagd" in Detail

Die Hetzjagd is a feminine noun. The plural is die Hetzjagden.

📝 Example Sentences

• Früher waren Hetzjagden zu Pferde üblich.
  (Literal: Formerly, hunts on horseback involving chasing were common.)
• Die Presse startete eine regelrechte Hetzjagd auf den Skandalpolitiker.
  (Figurative: The press launched a veritable witch hunt against the scandal-ridden politician.)
• Sie fühlte sich einer öffentlichen Hetzjagd ausgesetzt.
  (Figurative: She felt exposed to a public hounding.)
• Solche Hetzjagden in sozialen Medien sind inakzeptabel.
  (Figurative, Plural: Such witch hunts on social media are unacceptable.)

🗣️ How is "die Hetzjagd" Used?

The term die Hetzjagd is almost exclusively used today in its figurative sense. It describes an aggressive, often unfair, and publicly conducted campaign against someone.

• Context: Often found in political debates, media reporting (especially tabloid press), social media, or when describing mobbing/bullying situations.
• Connotation: The word carries a strong negative connotation. It implies injustice, aggression, and often manipulation or disinformation.
• Comparison: Similar to "campaign" (against someone), "persecution," or "character assassination," but "Hetzjagd" emphasizes the feeling of being hunted down, the ruthlessness, and often the involvement of a larger group (e.g., the public, the media). Compare to English "witch hunt" or "hounding".

The literal meaning is rare and mostly confined to historical or specific hunting contexts.

🧠 Mnemonics for "Hetzjagd"

Article Mnemonic: Think of "die Jagd" (the hunt) which is feminine. A Hetzjagd is a specific, intense kind of Jagd, so it stays feminine: die Hetzjagd.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone being "hetzed" (hounded, chased) by a pack (like in a hunt - Jagd), but through words and accusations instead of in a forest. This is the modern, figurative Hetzjagd.

↔️ Opposites and Similar Terms

⚠️ Similar but Different Words:

• Jagd: The general term for hunting. A Hetzjagd is a specific type.
• Kritik: Criticism. Can be sharp, but isn't inherently a Hetzjagd (often lacks the systematic, unfair persecution aspect).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Journalist den anderen: "Ist das noch Recherche oder schon Hetzjagd?"
Sagt der andere: "Kommt drauf an, wie schnell der Politiker rennt!"

Translation: One journalist asks another: "Is this still research or already a witch hunt?"
The other replies: "Depends on how fast the politician runs!"

📜 Poem about Hetzjagd

Worte fliegen, scharf wie Pfeile,
Keine Ruhe, keine Weile.
Öffentlich gejagt, gestellt,
In dieser lauten, schnellen Welt.
Die Meute tobt, kennt kein Pardon,
Im Netz, im Blatt, harsch ist der Ton.
Die Hetzjagd frisst die Seelen auf,
Ein gnadenloser Lebenslauf.

Translation:
Words fly, sharp as arrows,
No peace, no moment's pause.
Publicly hunted, cornered,
In this loud, fast world.
The pack rages, knows no mercy,
Online, in print, harsh is the tone.
The witch hunt devours souls,
A merciless course of life.

🕵️‍♀️ Little Riddle

Ich jage ohne Pfeil und Bogen,
oft durch Lügen, ungezogen.
Mein Ziel ist meistens Ruf und Ehr',
Ich mache Herzen furchtbar schwer.
Die Medien sind mein Jagdrevier,
Was bin ich, sag es mir!

Translation:
I hunt without bow and arrow,
Often through lies, quite narrow.
My target is usually reputation and fame,
I make hearts heavy with blame.
The media is my hunting ground,
What am I, tell me now!

Solution: Die Hetzjagd (The witch hunt / hounding)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition:

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

• hetzen: To hunt, pursue, drive, incite, agitate someone or an animal.
• die Jagd: The hunt, the pursuit and capture or killing of game.

So, the combination originally described a hunt involving chasing/hounding, which was then transferred to the persecution of people.

Historical Context: The term is also often used in connection with historical persecutions, e.g., witch trials or pogroms, which bore the characteristics of a Hetzjagd.