Reich

Also known as The Reich

'''''' ( ; ) is a German word whose meaning is analogous to the English word "realm". The terms and are respectively used in German in reference to empires and kingdoms. In English usage, the term " Reich" often refers to Nazi Germany, also called "the Third Reich".

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Contents

Etymology
Usage throughout German history
Frankish Empire
Holy Roman Empire
Modern age
German Reich
During the Weimar Republic
During the Nazi period
Possible negative connotations in modern usage
Limited usage in the railway system of the German Democratic Republic
Usage in related languages
In Scandinavian languages
Rijk/ryk
See also
Notes
References

The term (sometimes translated to "German Empire") continued to be used even after the collapse of the German Empire and the abolition of the monarchy in 1918. There was no emperor, but many Germans had imperialistic ambitions. According to historian Richard J. Evans: