die  Hochkonjunktur

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/hoːxkɔnʏŋkˈtuːɐ̯/

📈 What exactly does "Hochkonjunktur" mean?

Die Hochkonjunktur (feminine noun, article: die) describes the phase of an economic cycle characterized by particularly high economic activity. It represents the peak of an economic upswing.

Typical characteristics of a Hochkonjunktur include:

• Full utilization of production capacities (Vollauslastung der Produktionskapazitäten)
• High demand for goods and services (Hohe Nachfrage nach Gütern und Dienstleistungen)
• Low unemployment, often even labor shortages (Niedrige Arbeitslosigkeit, oft sogar Arbeitskräftemangel)
• Rising wages, prices, and interest rates (Steigende Löhne, Preise und Zinsen)
• Optimistic sentiment among businesses and consumers (Optimistische Stimmung bei Unternehmen und Verbrauchern)

It is often also referred to as a Boom. It's a specific technical term from economics.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar under the Microscope: Die Hochkonjunktur

The noun "Hochkonjunktur" is feminine. The correct article is therefore die. It is mostly used in the singular, as it describes a state or phase. A plural ("die Hochkonjunkturen") is grammatically possible but rare, typically referring to multiple such boom periods in history or different regions.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural (rare)

💬 Examples in Context

1. Während der Hochkonjunktur fanden fast alle Arbeitssuchenden eine Stelle.
   (During the economic boom, almost all job seekers found a position.)
2. Die Phase der Hochkonjunktur dauerte mehrere Jahre an.
   (The phase of the economic boom lasted several years.)
3. Experten warnten vor einer Überhitzung der Wirtschaft in der Hochkonjunktur.
   (Experts warned against an overheating of the economy during the boom.)
4. Nach der Hochkonjunktur folgte leider eine deutliche Abkühlung.
   (Unfortunately, a significant downturn followed the economic boom.)

💡 How to use "Hochkonjunktur"?

"Hochkonjunktur" is mainly used in economic and financial policy contexts. You'll find it in news reports, academic articles, economic analyses, and discussions about the state of the economy.

• Typical Phrases: "sich in einer Hochkonjunktur befinden" (to be in an economic boom), "die Hochkonjunktur erreichte ihren Höhepunkt" (the boom reached its peak), "auf die Hochkonjunktur folgte ein Abschwung" (a downturn followed the boom).
• Distinction: It describes the peak of the business cycle. The preceding rise is the Aufschwung or Expansion, the subsequent cooling is the Abschwung or Rezession (recession), and the low point is the Depression or Flaute (slump).
• Figurative Meaning: Sometimes, the term is used figuratively to express that something is in high demand or experiencing a heyday. Example: "Verschwörungstheorien haben zurzeit Hochkonjunktur." (Conspiracy theories are currently booming.)

🧠 Mnemonics for Hochkonjunktur

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'die Wirtschaft' (the economy) or 'die Phase' (the phase). Both are feminine, just like die Hochkonjunktur.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine the economy is on a high mountain (Hoch-) having a busy 'juncture' or period of activity (Konjunktur). That's the peak – the Hochkonjunktur!

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Similar Sounding/Confusing Words:

• Konjunktiv (der): A grammatical mood (subjunctive), nothing to do with economics.
• Konjunktion (die): A conjunction in grammar (e.g., and, or, because).

😄 A Little Economic Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Sind Sie abergläubisch?"
Mitarbeiter: "Nein, Chef, wieso?"
Chef: "Gut, dann können wir Ihnen nämlich auch am Freitag, den 13., das Gehalt zahlen, das wir Ihnen versprochen haben!"

Translation:
The boss asks the new employee: "Are you superstitious?"
Employee: "No, boss, why?"
Boss: "Good, because then we can also pay you the salary we promised you on Friday the 13th!"

(Okay, not directly about Hochkonjunktur, but about economy and money 😉)

📜 Poem about the Economy

Die Wirtschaft brummt, die Kassen klingen,
die Firmen freudig Lieder singen.
Die Arbeit ruft, die Nachfrage steigt,
die Hochkonjunktur ihr Banner zeigt.

Maschinen rattern Tag und Nacht,
die Börse hat viel Geld gemacht.
Ein jeder hofft, es möge währen,
doch Zyklen werden wiederkehren.

Translation:
The economy hums, the coffers chime,
Companies sing joyous rhymes.
Work calls out, demand does leap,
The economic boom its flag does keep.

Machines they clatter day and night,
The stock market's made fortunes bright.
Everyone hopes it lasts for years,
But cycles will return with tears.

❓ Little Economic Riddle

Ich bin die Phase, in der alles läuft,
die Wirtschaft stark nach oben schnäuft.
Die Arbeitslosenzahlen sinken tief,
während der Handel laut und eifrig rief.
Man nennt mich Boom, den Höhepunkt im Spiel.
Wie heiß' ich, wenn die Wirtschaft zeigt Profil?

Translation:
I am the phase when everything's alright,
The economy strongly climbs to its height.
Unemployment numbers sink down low,
While trade calls out with eager flow.
They call me Boom, the peak in the game.
What's my name, when the economy shows its aim?

Solution: die Hochkonjunktur

🧩 Further Details

Word Composition:

"Hochkonjunktur" is a compound noun:

• Hoch: Adjective, meaning "high", "maximum", "at the peak" here.
• Konjunktur: Noun (die Konjunktur), refers to the general economic situation or the course of the economy over time (business cycle).

Together, it thus signifies the phase of the high state of the economy/business cycle.

Business Cycle Context:

The Hochkonjunktur is one of typically four phases of the business cycle (Konjunkturzyklus):

1. Aufschwung (Expansion)
2. Hochkonjunktur (Boom)
3. Abschwung (Recession/Contraction)
4. Tiefphase (Depression/Trough/Slump)