Navigating Sensitive Language in German History: A Guide for Modern Context

Introduction

When discussing the history of Germany, especially the era of the Third Reich, it's crucial to be mindful of language and terminology. This article aims to guide individuals on how to navigate sensitive language and provide context for terms that are often avoided or require careful consideration.

Common Nazi Salutes and References

Several phrases and references from the Third Reich are sensitive and generally avoided in contemporary discussions, even in historical contexts. One such example is the ‘Sieg Heil’ salute, which was a common Nazi greeting and is deeply associated with the regime's ideology. The use of this phrase is illegal in Germany, reflecting the country's commitment to confronting its brutal past. Similarly, the phrase ‘Herr Obersturmbannführer’ was a significant rank in the Nazi SS. It is crucial to understand that while terms like 'Herr' can be used without issue in modern contexts, they hold very different connotations than they did during the Third Reich.

Terminology in Modern Contexts

The German military traditionally used the term ‘Herr’ to address ranks, such as ‘Herr Kommandant’ (Commander), ‘Herr Hauptmann’ (Captain), and ‘Herr Feldwebel’ (Sergeant Major). However, these terms are now primarily used in their literal sense, akin to addressing someone as 'Mr.' in English.

Another example is the phrase ‘Herr Kommandant’, which is perfectly acceptable in modern contexts. This term simply means 'Commander' in German. It's important to avoid over-associating terms like this with Nazi ideology, unless discussing specific historical contexts.

Racial and Legal Terminology

The phrase ‘Rassenschande’ (race defilement) and ‘Gleichschaltung’ (coordination) are particularly sensitive and require careful deliberation. 'Rassenschande' was a Nazi term used to describe interracial sexual relations, which were outright illegal and considered morally reprehensible. 'Gleichschaltung' refers to the Nazi laws that allowed for the confiscation of Jewish holdings, the exclusion of Jewish shareholders, and other discriminatory policies aimed at suppressing dissent and unifying the country under Nazi control.

For decades, German companies, especially those in the technology industry, have vigorously avoided using the term ‘Fuhrer’ (often incorrectly associated with Adolf Hitler) in job titles. Instead, they have preferred terms like ‘Leiter’ (director) or ‘Chef’ (chief), and even adopted Anglicized titles like ‘Manager’. Recently, however, some companies have started using terms like ‘Sonderprojektfuhrer’ (Special Projects Leader), which can be disconcerting given the historical context. Understanding the background of such terms is essential for anyone engaging with German history and language.

Conclusion

By carefully considering the language used in discussing German history, especially during the Third Reich, we can foster a respectful and accurate understanding of the past. It's important to approach these discussions with sensitivity and to provide context for terms that are still culturally and historically significant. Avoiding glorification or casual reference to sensitive terms helps promote a deeper understanding and better remembrance of the period.