Definition

Noun: - The official emblem of the Nazi Party and the Third Reich; a swastika: Specifically, a cross with arms bent at right angles in a clockwise direction. This symbol is historically and primarily associated with the ideology, policies, and regime of Nazi Germany.

Usage

• The term is used in historical and academic contexts to refer specifically to the Nazi symbol. It is a direct borrowing from German, where "Hakenkreuz" literally means "hooked cross."
• It is crucial to use this term with an understanding of its heavy historical weight and association with hate, antisemitism, and extreme violence.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The banner featured a large black hakenkreuz on a white circle and red field.
  • Scholars analyze the use of the hakenkreuz as a central element of Nazi iconography.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical texts, museums, and academic discussions to denote the specific Nazi symbol, distinguishing it from similar ancient symbols (like the swastika) used in other cultures with different meanings.
• It is considered a highly charged, offensive symbol in most contemporary contexts outside of strict historical or educational analysis.

Variants and Related Words

• Swastika (noun): A geometric symbol in the form of an equilateral cross with its arms bent at 90 degrees. While identical in form, "swastika" is a more general term that can refer to the ancient symbol found in many cultures (often as a sign of well-being), whereas "hakenkreuz" refers exclusively to its Nazi appropriation.
• Nazi symbol (noun phrase): A descriptive term for the hakenkreuz.

Synonyms

• Swastika (when referring specifically to the Nazi emblem)
• Nazi cross

Important Note

• The hakenkreuz is a potent hate symbol. Its display is banned or heavily restricted in many countries. Understanding its historical context is essential. The ancient swastika, used for millennia in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and other traditions, is a distinct symbol with positive connotations, though its form is identical. The key difference lies in the cultural and historical context.

Noun

1. the official emblem of the Nazi Party and the Third Reich; a cross with the arms bent at right angles in a clockwise direction