third reich: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Academic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “third reich” mean?
A historical term referring specifically to Nazi Germany (1933-1945), understood as the third great German empire following the Holy Roman Empire and the German Empire.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A historical term referring specifically to Nazi Germany (1933-1945), understood as the third great German empire following the Holy Roman Empire and the German Empire.
It is used metonymically to represent the ideology, policies, and period of Nazi totalitarian rule. In broader discourse, it can symbolize any extreme authoritarian, fascist, or genocidal regime.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Both use the term identically.
Connotations
Identically negative and historical in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally low frequency outside historical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “third reich” in a Sentence
the Third Reich + verb (collapsed, ended, rose)preposition (of, during, in) + the Third ReichVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “third reich” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not applicable as a verb)
American English
- (Not applicable as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable as an adverb)
American English
- (Not applicable as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- The scholar specialised in Third-Reich cinema.
- They studied Third-Reich propaganda techniques.
American English
- The museum has a collection of Third-Reich artifacts.
- He is an expert on Third-Reich architecture.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Primary context. Used in history, political science, and Holocaust studies.
Everyday
Rare, except in discussions of history or politics.
Technical
Used precisely in historical texts and documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “third reich”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “third reich”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “third reich”
- Writing it uncapitalised (third reich). Using it as a generic term for Germany. Mispronouncing 'Reich' as 'reech' or 'retch'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Reich' is a German word meaning 'realm' or 'empire'. In this context, it signifies a period of rule.
The First Reich is traditionally considered the Holy Roman Empire. The Second Reich was the German Empire from 1871 to 1918.
No. It is a loaded historical term with overwhelmingly negative connotations due to its association with Nazism, war, and genocide.
Only analogically or metaphorically, and such usage is often considered hyperbolic and sensationalist (e.g., 'His management style was like a Third Reich'). It is not a technical term for other regimes.
A historical term referring specifically to Nazi Germany (1933-1945), understood as the third great German empire following the Holy Roman Empire and the German Empire.
Third reich is usually academic, historical in register.
Third reich: in British English it is pronounced /ˌθɜːd ˈraɪx/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌθɜrd ˈraɪk/ or /ˌθɜrd ˈraɪx/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Nothing short of a Third Reich (used hyperbolically for extreme authoritarianism).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'First' Reich (Holy Roman Empire), 'Second' Reich (German Empire 1871-1918), 'Third' Reich (Nazi Germany). It's the third in this historical sequence.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE STATE IS A BUILDING/REALM (Reich means 'realm' or 'empire'). A DARK CHAPTER IS A PHYSICAL SPACE (e.g., 'in the Third Reich').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'Third Reich' most appropriately used?