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Realpolitik

2 stages from German to English.

Today it means politics based on practical rather than moral considerations

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

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