Wörterbuch der Kriegstüchtigkeit
Wörterbuch der Kriegstüchtigkeit (German pronunciation: [ˈvœʁtɐbʊx deːɐ̯ ˈkʁiːkstuːχtɪçkaɪt]; the title can be translated in various ways, such as “Dictionary of War Readiness[1]” or “Lexicon of Combat Capability”) is a dictionary in the making written by the German conflict researcher Leo Ensel (whose focus is on the Post-Soviet space and Central/Eastern Europe), consisting of words relating to “Kriegstüchtigkeit ” (variously translatable as 'war-readiness,' 'military capability,' 'military efficiency,' and others) followed by definitions.
According to the author, he intends to publish, at irregular intervals, a collection of deceitful words or phrases whose purpose and function is to quietly reshape the German society in the direction of 'war readiness': “Vocabulary criticism is the order of the day during wartime.”[2]
The dictionary is in the tradition of analytical works such as LTI – Lingua Tertii Imperii by Victor Klemperer, or Innocent Words (Słowa niewinne) by Nachman Blumental, studies of the way of propaganda in former times, and also of the (satirical) Dictionary of Received Ideas (Dictionnaire des idées reçues), compiled by Gustave Flaubert.
History
It has been published by the website globalbridge.ch[3] in installments since May 27, 2025, and as NDS (de)-Podcast since May 29 with “kind permission” from Globalbridge (May 27, June 1, June 15, June 21, June 28, and July 14, 2025).
Content
The text sharply criticizes the increasing militarization of language in Germany’s security policy discourse. Terms such as “deterrence,” “service for freedom,” or “war-readiness” are exposed as ideologically charged. A clear break from the former policy of détente is highlighted. According to the author, euphemisms obscure actual preparations for war and serve to normalize violence. Media, politics, and the military invoke “war-readiness” under a moral guise. Religious references and historical memory are also instrumentalized to legitimize military actions. Particularly concerning is the rhetoric of there being “no alternative” in light of the so-called “Russian threat.” The text illustrates how language is strategically used to present war as both necessary and morally justified—a gradual shift in values with far-reaching consequences.
Sample definitions
- Drecksarbeit German pronunciation: [ˈdʁɛksˌaʁbaɪ̯t] (dirty work) A certain state is currently doing the dirty work "for all of us," selflessly, according to Chancellor Merz himself — by relentlessly bombing another. Something for which Mr. Merz has the "utmost respect." (A number of international law experts simply call it an "act of aggression.") (cf. "civilizational war")[4]
- kriegstüchtig (war-capable), and not merely "ready for defense." The word "defense" is replaced by "war," and "readiness" by "capability." A word that, when spoken by officials four decades ago, would have provoked massive anti-militarist resistance—yet today is met by the majority of the population with a shrug of fatalistic resignation.[5]
References
- ^ For the translation, compare Richard Connor, “German Defense Minister Calls for War Readiness by 2029,” DW, May 6, 2024, https://www.dw.com/en/german-defense-minister-calls-for-war-readiness-by-2029/a-69276059.
- ^ nachdenkseiten.de (“Vokabelkritik ist zu Kriegszeiten das Gebot der Stunde.”)
- ^ Commwork AG, Zug, Switzerland, "Redaktion" by the Swiss journalist Christian Müller (journalist, born 1944) (globalbridge.ch: Impressum).
- ^ Das Wörterbuch der Kriegstüchtigkeit (VI) – Von der „Abrüstungsmentalität“ über „Body bags“ zur „Drecksarbeit“, citing spiegel.de: Merz über Angriff auf Iran (June 17, 2025)
- ^ nachdenkseiten.de: Das Wörterbuch der Kriegstüchtigkeit (I) (May 29, 2025)