reichsbank: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Historical, Academic, Formal
Quick answer
What does “reichsbank” mean?
The central bank of Germany from 1876 to 1945.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The central bank of Germany from 1876 to 1945.
In modern usage, a historical term referring to the German central banking institution during the German Empire, Weimar Republic, and early Nazi period; sometimes used metonymically to represent German state financial power or monetary policy of that era.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. The word is equally rare in both varieties and belongs to the same historical/economic register.
Connotations
Primarily historical, with potential neutral-to-negative connotations due to association with hyperinflation in the 1920s and the Nazi economy. Avoids modern political implications in careful usage.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency. Almost exclusively found in historical, economic, or financial history texts. British English may show slightly higher usage due to traditional focus on European history.
Grammar
How to Use “reichsbank” in a Sentence
the + Reichsbank + [past tense verb] e.g., 'The Reichsbank issued...'Reichsbank + 'of' + [period] e.g., 'the Reichsbank of the Weimar era'Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reichsbank” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The government attempted to Reichsbank the economy. (This is a fabricated, incorrect usage to illustrate it is NOT a verb.)
American English
- (Not applicable - not a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable - not an adverb)
American English
- (Not applicable - not an adverb)
adjective
British English
- The Reichsbank presidency was a powerful position. (Functioning as a noun adjunct/possessive, not a true adjective.)
American English
- He studied Reichsbank policy. (Noun adjunct)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused. Only in rare discussions of historical finance or sovereign debt.
Academic
Used in economic history, history of central banking, 20th-century German history, and studies of hyperinflation.
Everyday
Almost never used. Would be recognised only by those with significant historical knowledge.
Technical
Used precisely to denote the specific institution in financial history, distinguishing it from the Reichskreditkassen or other Nazi-era financial bodies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reichsbank”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reichsbank”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reichsbank”
- Incorrect capitalisation (writing 'reichsbank').
- Using it to refer to any German bank.
- Confusing it with the Bundesbank.
- Mispronouncing 'Reich' as /riːtʃ/ instead of /raɪk/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Reichsbank (1876-1945) was the central bank of Germany during the Empire, Weimar, and Nazi periods. The Bundesbank (founded 1957) is the modern central bank of the Federal Republic of Germany.
In English, it is typically pronounced /ˈraɪksbaŋk/ (RIKES-bank). The 'ch' is pronounced like a 'k', and the 's' is voiced.
No. It is strictly a historical term. Using it for the modern era is incorrect and may cause confusion or offence due to its associations.
It is capitalised because it is a proper noun, the official name of a specific historical institution, much like 'the Bank of England'.
The central bank of Germany from 1876 to 1945.
Reichsbank is usually historical, academic, formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a proper noun and does not form idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Reich' (Empire/Realm) + 'Bank' = the bank of the German realm. It ceased when the Reich did.
Conceptual Metaphor
An INSTITUTION AS A MONUMENT (to a past political system); a PILLAR OF THE STATE (in historical context).
Practice
Quiz
The Reichsbank was succeeded by which modern institution?