second reich: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowAcademic/Historical
Quick answer
What does “second reich” mean?
The German Empire from 1871 to 1918, established by Otto von Bismarck after the unification of Germany.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The German Empire from 1871 to 1918, established by Otto von Bismarck after the unification of Germany.
A historical term referring to the period of Imperial Germany under the Hohenzollern dynasty, often contrasted with the First Reich (Holy Roman Empire) and Third Reich (Nazi Germany).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage; term is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral historical reference in academic contexts; outside academia, may evoke associations with later Nazi period due to the 'Reich' terminology.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to historical discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “second reich” in a Sentence
the Second Reich (1871-1918)during the Second Reichthe fall of the Second ReichVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “second reich” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Second Reich policies
- Second Reich architecture
American English
- Second Reich era
- Second Reich government
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used
Academic
Used in historical, political science, and European studies contexts to denote the 1871-1918 German state.
Everyday
Rarely used outside educational or documentary contexts.
Technical
Used in historiography with specific periodisation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “second reich”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “second reich”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “second reich”
- Writing 'second reich' in lowercase.
- Using 'Second Reich' to refer to Nazi Germany (that is the Third Reich).
- Misspelling as 'Second Rich'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Reich' is a German word meaning 'empire' or 'realm'.
It is numbered in sequence: the First Reich was the Holy Roman Empire, the Second was the German Empire (1871-1918), and the Third was Nazi Germany.
In academic historical writing, yes. In general discourse, the word 'Reich' can sometimes carry negative connotations due to its association with Nazi Germany.
Wilhelm I of Prussia, who became German Emperor, with Otto von Bismarck as Chancellor.
The German Empire from 1871 to 1918, established by Otto von Bismarck after the unification of Germany.
Second reich is usually academic/historical in register.
Second reich: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsekənd ˈraɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsekənd ˈraɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SECOND Reich = SECOND German empire (after the Holy Roman Empire, before the Third).
Conceptual Metaphor
Historical period as a distinct entity/empire.
Practice
Quiz
Which period does the 'Second Reich' refer to?