Das Kapital is a German term that refers to the famous book written by Karl Marx. Its correct spelling is [das kah-pi-tahl]. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /dɑs kəˈpɪtəl/. "Das" is pronounced [dahs], and "Kapital" is pronounced [kah-pi-tahl]. The 'k' sound is slightly harsher than in English, and the 'p' is pronounced as a simple, unvoiced plosive. The 't' is a soft, aspirated sound, with a slight puff of air in the throat.
Das Kapital is a monumental work of political economy written by Karl Marx, first published in 1867. Often referred to as simply Capital, it is Marx's most renowned and significant contribution to economic and social theory. The primary aim of Das Kapital is to analyze and critique the capitalist mode of production, laying the groundwork for understanding the exploitation and contradictions inherent within it.
The book is divided into three main volumes, with Volume I being the most well-known and influential. In Volume I of Das Kapital, Marx delves into a comprehensive examination of how capitalist production operates, exploring the underlying processes of value creation, surplus value extraction, and capital accumulation. He systematically dissects the labor theory of value, commodity fetishism, and capitalist exploitation. Furthermore, Marx analyzes the relationship between workers and their means of production, discussing the concept of alienation and the role of class struggle.
Das Kapital provides a theoretical framework for understanding capitalism as an economic system based on the exploitation of workers and the inherent contradictions that lead to its downfall. Marx argues that capitalism's pursuit of profit, coupled with the accumulation of wealth in the hands of a small capitalist class, inevitably leads to crises and inequities. He envisions the establishment of a socialist society, where the means of production are collectively owned and controlled by the working class, as the solution to these inherent flaws.
Despite engaging in numerous debates and interpretations over the years, Das Kapital remains a seminal work in the field of economics and socialist theory, continuing to shape discussions on capitalism and its alternatives.
The word "Das Kapital" is of German origin and its etymology can be traced back to the 19th century. It is derived from the German phrase "das Kapital, Kritik der politischen Ökonomie" which translates to "Capital, Critique of Political Economy".
The term was coined by the German philosopher and economist Karl Marx, who published his influential work in 1867 under this title. Marx's "Das Kapital" is a critical analysis of the capitalist mode of production, exploring the economic, social, and political implications of capitalism. The choice of the word "Kapital" (capital) in the title reflects Marx's central focus on the role and significance of capital in the capitalist system.
The title "Das Kapital" has become synonymous with Marx's magnum opus and has been widely referenced and cited in the field of economics and social sciences.