VOLKSDEUTSCHE Meaning and
Definition
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Volksdeutsche is a German term that refers to individuals who are considered ethnically German but live outside of Germany's borders. The literal translation of the term is "ethnic Germans."
Historically, the term gained significant usage during the Nazi era in Germany. The Nazi regime used it to assert their territorial claims and justify their expansionist policies in countries such as Austria, Czechoslovakia, and Poland. Volksdeutsche were seen as part of the greater German nation and were sought after to be incorporated into the German-speaking population of these countries.
The concept of volksdeutsche also played a role in the forced population transfers that occurred during and after World War II. As borders shifted and countries were rearranged, many individuals who identified as German or had German ancestry were relocated to Germany or German-speaking regions.
It is important to note that the term volksdeutsche carries significant historical baggage due to its association with Nazi policies and ideologies. Today, it is often controversial and regarded with caution, as it is closely tied to a dark period in history. The term is now used mainly in historical research and discussions to describe the historical context of Germany's expansionist ambitions and ethnic identification.
Etymology of VOLKSDEUTSCHE
The word volksdeutsche comes from the German language and is a combination of two terms: volks meaning people or folk, and deutsche meaning German. It can be translated as ethnic Germans or people of German descent.
