anschluss: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Low frequency, specific to historical/political discourse)Formal, academic, historical; almost exclusively used in written texts, documentaries, and scholarly discussions about 20th-century European history.
Quick answer
What does “anschluss” mean?
A political union or annexation, most notoriously referring to Nazi Germany's annexation of Austria in 1938.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A political union or annexation, most notoriously referring to Nazi Germany's annexation of Austria in 1938.
In broader historical or political contexts, it can refer to any act of annexation or forced unification, particularly of territories or political entities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. It is a loanword from German used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical strong historical and negative connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both academic/historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “anschluss” in a Sentence
the Anschluss (of + [Territory])[Territory]'s Anschluss with/to [Power]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anschluss” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The 1938 Anschluss was met with international condemnation.
- Historians debate the level of popular Austrian support for the Anschluss.
American English
- The Anschluss violated the Treaty of Versailles.
- His thesis focused on the propaganda leading up to the Anschluss.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in history, political science, and international relations texts discussing interwar Europe and Nazi expansionism.
Everyday
Extremely rare, only among those discussing specific history.
Technical
A technical historical term with a very specific referent.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anschluss”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anschluss”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anschluss”
- Using it uncapitalized ('anschluss').
- Using it to describe a peaceful or voluntary union.
- Mispronouncing the 'sch' as /sk/ instead of /ʃ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost never. Its use outside of historical context regarding 1938 would be considered a highly charged rhetorical analogy, implying a Nazi-style aggressive takeover.
No, in English it is used exclusively as a proper noun. The verb forms would be 'annex' or 'incorporate.'
Because it refers to a specific, named historical event (like 'the Holocaust' or 'the Blitz'), not a general concept.
In modern German, 'Anschluss' is a neutral word for 'connection' (e.g., train connection). However, when referring to 1938, it is also capitalized ('der Anschluss') and carries the same historical weight. The English usage is borrowed directly from this specific historical sense.
A political union or annexation, most notoriously referring to Nazi Germany's annexation of Austria in 1938.
Anschluss is usually formal, academic, historical; almost exclusively used in written texts, documentaries, and scholarly discussions about 20th-century european history. in register.
Anschluss: in British English it is pronounced /ˈanʃlʊs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑːnʃlʊs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific; the word itself functions as a historical idiom.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ANnexation' + 'SCH'ool history lesson about 1938 + 'LUSS' sounds like 'loss' (Austria's loss of independence).
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICAL UNION/ANNEXATION IS A FORCIBLE MERGER (typically a predator absorbing prey).
Practice
Quiz
In modern English historical discourse, the term 'Anschluss' primarily refers to: