german language

[Aa01]

is there such a word as 'Volksgemeinshaft' in german?? If so what does it mean?

[tubeway]

I put it into a translation engine and it came out as "people in commonful"

[Aa01]

thanks! Tubeway .. I knew I had heard it somewhere

[Clanad]

To put the term in proper context, one has to have an understanding of the Nazi regime of Germany, especially in the 1930's.  Volksgemeinschaft was an attempt by the German Nazi Party to establish a national community of unified mind, will and spirit. It could only be achieved by controlling gaining control of all aspects of cultural and social life. Theatre, literature, the press and children's activities were all controlled by the Nazis. Hitler established the Minister of Propaganda, headed by Joseph Goebbels.  His task was to assure a common thought among the German Volk (people)...Daily life in Nazi Germany was manipulated from the beginning of Nazi rule. Propaganda dominated popular culture and entertainment. Anti-intellectualism was used to prevent the people from thinking and feeding into their strong sense of national and military pride. Finally, Hitler and the party realized the possibilities of controlling Germany�s youth as a means of continuing the Reich, and insuring total control over a future generation...(all newspaper articles were pre-written by the Ministry)... Volksgemeinschaft sought total control over the thinking and actions of the people through intimidation and terror...

[Aa01]

Thank you Clanad for your intricate response it seems you went to great lengths to present your answer. Much appreciated.

[tubeway]

so not as nice as it sounds then

[janesmythe22]

Volksgemeinschaft-out of context, just 'community'

[KebabMeister]

Direct translation is 'national community' but Clanad has obviously explained the origins of the word.

[curragh]

i put it in a language translator, and i got "People common detention"