Säuberung
/ˈzɔʏ̯bəʁʊŋ/
The English word 'purge' can be translated into German as Säuberung.
The term is used to describe the act of an organization forcibly removing people from its ranks.
Meaning: (of an organization) to forcibly remove people from (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun Säuberung is derived from the verb *säubern*, which means to clean or to cleanse.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the noun is Säuberungen, meaning 'purges'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzɔʏ̯bəʁʊŋ/
Did you know?
- German has a specific word, Ausmisten, which literally means 'to muck out the stables'. It is often used colloquially as a metaphor for a 'purge' or a 'spring cleaning' of a company's staff.
- During the Nazi era, the term Säuberung was used in official documents to mask the horror of the Holocaust by framing genocide as a matter of public hygiene and health.
- The root verb säubern is used in everyday German to describe mundane chores like scrubbing a floor or dusting a room. This creates a chilling linguistic contrast when the word is used in a political context to describe mass executions or arrests.
Examples in context
- Ein Student sagt, dass die Säuberung in China noch nicht vorbei ist und dass dort Terror herrscht.A student says the purge is still ongoing in China and that terror reigns there.This sentence illustrates the use of Säuberung in a political context regarding ongoing events in China.Tatoeba #1421131 by kolonjano, translation #12339926 by Miktsoanit
- Wir müssen eine Beseitigung der alten Daten vornehmen.We need to perform a purge of the old data.
- Ich muss meinen Kleiderschrank aussortieren.I need to purge/sort out my wardrobe.
- Es wird Zeit, das Büro auszumisten.It's time to purge/clean up the office.
- Ich habe beschlossen, mein Zuhause zu entrümpeln.I've decided to purge/dejunk my home.
- Wir sollten die ineffizienten Prozesse ausradieren.We should purge/erase the inefficient processes.
Example conversation
Two colleagues discuss a political shift in their organization.
- LauraHast du von der Säuberung im Ministerium gehört?Did you hear about the purge in the ministry?
- FelixJa, Felix, viele Leute wurden gestern entlassen.Yes, Felix, many people were fired yesterday.
- LauraIch hoffe, dass wir nicht auch betroffen sind.I hope that we are not affected too.
- FelixDas hoffe ich auch, Laura.I hope so too, Laura.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Säuberung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
