herrenvolk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/C2Specialist/Historical/Academic
Quick answer
What does “herrenvolk” mean?
A concept from Nazi ideology referring to a supposed 'master race' (specifically the Aryan or Germanic peoples), endowed with the right to dominate other peoples deemed inferior.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A concept from Nazi ideology referring to a supposed 'master race' (specifically the Aryan or Germanic peoples), endowed with the right to dominate other peoples deemed inferior.
Used more broadly and critically to denote any group or ideology that claims inherent racial superiority and a right to rule over others. Often appears in historical, political, and sociological discourse analyzing racism, colonialism, and supremacist ideologies.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or frequency. The concept is central to studies of 20th-century European history.
Connotations
Universally negative and associated with the atrocities of the Third Reich.
Frequency
Extremely low in general discourse. Slightly higher frequency in UK historical writing due to proximity and focus on WWII history.
Grammar
How to Use “herrenvolk” in a Sentence
The [Nazi/SS] concept of the **herrenvolk**the **herrenvolk** ideologyto promote a **herrenvolk** worldviewVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “herrenvolk” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The historian analysed the propagation of the **herrenvolk** myth in Nazi propaganda films.
American English
- His thesis focused on how **herrenvolk** ideology was used to justify Lebensraum policies.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, political science, and critical race theory texts to analyze Nazi ideology and its legacy.
Everyday
Extremely rare and inappropriate for casual use.
Technical
Specific term in historiography and genocide studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “herrenvolk”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “herrenvolk”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “herrenvolk”
- Using it as a neutral term for any dominant group. | Capitalising it in English mid-sentence (it's often lowercased). | Mispronouncing 'volk' with a /v/ sound (it's /f/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a German loanword used in English academic and historical writing. It is not assimilated and is always treated as a foreign concept.
Extreme caution is required. It is a historically loaded term specific to Nazism. Using it for contemporary groups is a very strong rhetorical accusation and should only be done with precise, scholarly justification.
Typically not. As a common noun (though a specialised one) in English, it is usually written in lowercase unless it starts a sentence.
It is generally uncountable in English, referring to the concept. If a plural is forced by context, 'herrenvolks' is occasionally seen, but rephrasing (e.g., 'herrenvolk ideologies') is preferable.
A concept from Nazi ideology referring to a supposed 'master race' (specifically the Aryan or Germanic peoples), endowed with the right to dominate other peoples deemed inferior.
Herrenvolk is usually specialist/historical/academic in register.
Herrenvolk: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɛrənˌfɒlk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɛrənˌfoʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HERREN' sounds like 'herr' (German for Mr./Lord) + 'VOLK' (people). The 'Lord-people' who believed they should rule.
Conceptual Metaphor
A NATION/PEOPLE IS A HIERARCHICAL BODY (with the 'herrenvolk' as the head/ruling organ).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'herrenvolk' appropriately used?