die  Volksverhetzung

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfɔlksfɛʁˌhɛt͡sʊŋ/

⚖️ What exactly is "die Volksverhetzung"?

Die Volksverhetzung is a criminal offense in the German Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch, StGB), specifically defined in Section 130 (§ 130 StGB). It translates roughly to 'incitement to hatred' or 'sedition', although neither is a perfect match. It refers to the public incitement of hatred against segments of the population or against a national, racial, religious group, or a group defined by their ethnic origins. This also includes attacking the human dignity of others by insulting, maliciously disparaging, or defaming these groups.

So, the core idea is sowing hatred, inciting hostility, or attacking the dignity of parts of the population, often with the aim of disturbing public peace (öffentlicher Frieden). ⚠️ This is a serious criminal offense, not just an expression of opinion.

The term Volksverhetzung is specific to the German legal context, though similar offenses (often called hate speech or incitement to hatred) exist in other countries.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of Volksverhetzung in Detail

Die Volksverhetzung is a feminine noun. It's typically used only in the singular because it refers to the abstract concept of the crime. The plural (die Volksverhetzungen) is grammatically possible but very rare, and would refer to multiple specific instances or acts of incitement.

Declension Singular

As a feminine noun ending in -ung, its declension is regular.

Declension Plural - Rare

Example Sentences

1. Dem Angeklagten wird die Volksverhetzung vorgeworfen.
   (The defendant is accused of incitement to hatred.)
2. Das Gericht verurteilte ihn wegen der Volksverhetzung zu einer Geldstrafe.
   (The court sentenced him to a fine for incitement to hatred.)
3. Mit solchen Aussagen macht man sich der Volksverhetzung schuldig.
   (With such statements, one makes oneself guilty of incitement to hatred.)
4. Die Polizei ermittelt wegen des Verdachts auf Volksverhetzung.
   (The police are investigating on suspicion of incitement to hatred.)

🗣️ When and How to Use "Volksverhetzung"?

The term die Volksverhetzung is used almost exclusively in legal, political, and socio-critical contexts.

• Legal Context: In indictments, court rulings, legal commentaries, and discussions regarding § 130 StGB.
• Political/Media Context: In debates about hate speech, extremism, racism, and the protection of minorities. Media reports cover cases of Volksverhetzung.
• Societal Context: In discussions about social tensions, discrimination, and the limits of freedom of speech (Meinungsfreiheit).

It's a very strong word with a clear legal definition and severe implications. It should not be used lightly or excessively. It differs from terms like Beleidigung (insult, attack on an individual's honor) or üble Nachrede (defamation), although it can contain elements of these. The core of Volksverhetzung is the attack on a group and the disturbance of public peace.

🚨 Caution: Falsely accusing someone of Volksverhetzung can itself have legal consequences (e.g., defamation).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Remember that nouns ending in -ung in German are almost always feminine (die). Think of die Achtung (attention), die Meinung (opinion), and thus die Volksverhetzung.

Meaning Mnemonic: Break it down: Volk means 'people' or 'nation'. Verhetzung comes from 'hetzen', meaning to incite, agitate, or set dogs on something. So, Volksverhetzung is 'inciting the people' (against a part of the people) in a hateful way.

↔️ Similar and Opposing Terms

⚠️ Be careful: Terms like Kritik (criticism) or Satire are clearly distinct from Volksverhetzung, although the boundaries can sometimes be disputed in specific cases. Volksverhetzung crosses the line into defamation and attacks on human dignity.

😅 A (Cautious) Joke

German: Warum wurde der Duden wegen Volksverhetzung angezeigt?
Weil er behauptet hat, das Wort hätte 'nur' 16 Buchstaben und damit die Komplexität des Sachverhalts verharmlost! 😉

English: Why was the dictionary reported for Volksverhetzung?
Because it claimed the word 'only' had 16 letters, thereby downplaying the complexity of the matter! 😉

(Please note: This is a harmless pun. The topic of Volksverhetzung itself is very serious.)

📜 A Little Poem about Volksverhetzung

German:
Ein Wort, geschliffen, scharf und kalt,
Gesät in Zorn, geerntet bald
Als Hass, der tief die Gräben zieht,
Wo Menschlichkeit den Kampf verliert. Die Volksverhetzung, gift'ger Keim,
Zerstört Gemeinschaft, zerstört das Heim.
Drum wachsam sein und klar benennen,
Was Frieden will und nicht nur trennen.

English Translation:
A word, refined, sharp and cold,
Sown in anger, harvested bold
As hatred that draws deep divides,
Where humanity loses its strides.
Incitement to hatred, toxic seed,
Destroys community, fulfills no need.
So be watchful and clearly name,
What seeks peace, not just fuel the flame.

❓ Riddle Time

German:
Ich bin ein Wort, im Gesetzbuch genannt,
Bekämpfe den Frieden im ganzen Land.
Ich hetze Gruppen gegeneinander auf,
Nehm Würde und Respekt billigend in Kauf.
Mein Ziel ist der Hass, nicht die Debatte.
Vor Gericht lande ich auf der Anklagematte. Welcher Straftatbestand bin ich, mit femininem Artikel?

Lösung: die Volksverhetzung

English Translation:
I am a word, named in the statute book,
I fight against peace, wherever you look.
I incite groups against each other,
Taking dignity and respect from one another.
My goal is hatred, not debate.
In court, I end up on the indictment plate. What criminal offense am I, with a feminine article?

Solution: die Volksverhetzung

🧩 Further Information

Word Composition

The word is composed of:

• Volk: Means 'people', 'nation', or population. Refers here to the general populace or specific segments/groups within it.
• Verhetzung: Derived from the verb hetzen (to incite, agitate, set dogs on, stir up hatred). The prefix ver- often intensifies or indicates a negative outcome. The suffix -ung turns it into a noun.

Historical Context

This criminal offense holds particular significance against the backdrop of German history, especially the systematic incitement and propaganda during the Nazi era, which enabled the Holocaust. Today's legislation aims, in part, to prevent such atrocities from recurring.

§ 130 StGB

This paragraph is central. It covers various acts, including incitement to hatred, attacks on the human dignity of groups, and also the approval, denial, or trivialization of genocide, particularly the Holocaust (Holocaustleugnung).