realpolitik

Where does the word "realpolitik" come from? It comes from German Realpolitik, and was adopted directly into English (1910s).

Realpolitik’s story begins in German: Realpolitik meant “practical politics.” Coined by the writer Ludwig von Rochau and associated with Bismarck's statecraft. It reached English by 1910s as realpolitik. Borrowed during the First World War era. Today, realpolitik means politics based on practical rather than moral considerations.

1. Stage 1 · German · 1853 Realpolitik "practical politics", coined by the writer Ludwig von Rochau and associated with Bismarck's statecraft.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1910s realpolitik "practical politics", borrowed during the First World War era.