Terrorismus
masculine
The English word "terrorism" is translated into German as Terrorismus.
Terrorismus refers to the use of terror as a means of coercion. Other related terms include Terrorist for a person who commits such acts and Terrorbekämpfung for the concept of counterterrorism.
Meaning: use of terror as a means of coercion (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Terrorismus refers to the concept of terrorism, the formal term Terrorhandlung is used specifically to emphasize an individual act or deed of terrorism. To refer to a person, use Terrorist.
How does it change in a sentence?
Terrorismus is a masculine noun. In the genitive singular, it follows standard masculine declension by adding the ending -s, appearing as des Terrorismus.
Did you know?
- In everyday German, the word Terror is often used colloquially to describe a child throwing a tantrum or a persistent person causing a nuisance, whereas Terrorismus is strictly reserved for political violence.
- In German legal contexts, the term Terrorismus is often subsumed under the broader category of Straftaten gegen die staatliche Ordnung, meaning crimes against the state order.
- The suffix '-ismus' in Terrorismus is a common way in German to turn a root into a political or philosophical doctrine.
Examples in context
- In amerikanischen Berichten wird der Guerilla-Widerstand des irakischen Militärs als Terrorismus bezeichnet.In reports in America, guerrilla resistance by the Iraq military is called terrorism.This sentence shows how the term Terrorismus is used in a reporting context.Tatoeba #644818 by jakov, translation #326830 by jakov
- Wir werden den Terrorismus nie unterstützen.We will never countenance terrorism.This sentence illustrates a statement of non-support for Terrorismus.Tatoeba #361106 by Kerstin, translation #22852 by Objectivesea
- Laut einer landesweiten Umfrage in den USA ist es ein geläufiger Glaube, dass Moslems mit Terrorismus verbunden sind.It is a prevalent belief, according to a nationwide poll in the United States, that Muslims are linked with terrorism.This sentence demonstrates the use of Terrorismus when discussing public beliefs and associations.Tatoeba #764 by MUIRIEL, translation #1958 by AlanF_US
- Die Regierung verurteilt den Terrorismus in aller SchärfeThe government strongly condemns terrorism
- Die Anklage wirft ihm schwere Terrorhandlungen vorThe prosecution accuses him of serious acts of terrorism
- Der Terrorakt fand in der Innenstadt stattThe act of terrorism took place in the city center
- Die Sicherheitskräfte arbeiten hart an der Terrorismusbekämpfung, um die Bevölkerung zu schützen.The security forces work hard on counterterrorism to protect the population.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two people are discussing a news report in a cafe.
- SarahDer Bericht handelte von internationalem Terrorismus.The report was about international terrorism.
- MaximilianDas ist ein sehr ernstes Thema.That is a very serious topic.
- SarahJa, er war sehr erschütternd.Yes, it was very upsetting.
- MaximilianDie Weltlage ist momentan schwierig.The world situation is difficult at the moment.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “terrorism” translations and entries Terrorismus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
