The word “Antisemitismus” enters German politics
1879Began between 1 Jan 1879 and 31 Dec 1879.
In 1879 the noun Antisemitismus came into political use in Germany around Wilhelm Marr, who is widely credited with coining it to name campaigns against Jews. A Forward column says the credit is mistaken because the word was in use earlier. The sources here agree that it was only ever aimed at Jews.
What the sources say
The IHRA memo says Wilhelm Marr coined the word in 1879 to designate anti-Jewish campaigns.
the neologism "antisemitism," coined by German journalist Wilhelm Marr in 1879 to designate anti-Jewish campaignsAdded on 12 Nov 2026Debunk this
The German Historical Institute's editors say Marr is most famous for coining the term in the 1870s.
Wilhelm Marr (1819–1904) is most famous for coining the term “antisemitism” in the 1870s. (Editors' introduction)Added on 12 Nov 2026Debunk this
Stephen D. Smith of the USC Shoah Foundation writes that Marr coined the term in 1879 to make an old hostility to Jews sound modern.
The German journalist Wilhelm Marr coined the term 'anti-Semitism' in 1879 to give an air of modernity to long-embraced animosity toward the Jewish people.Added on 12 Nov 2026Debunk this
The Forward column says the word has generally but mistakenly been attributed to Marr.
generally but mistakenly been attributed to German journalist Wilhelm MarrAdded on 12 Nov 2026Debunk this
The Encyclopaedia Judaica says the word and the movement entered German, then European, political culture at this time.
Both the word and the movement entered German and then European political culture at this time, never again to leave it.Added on 12 Nov 2026Debunk this
The IHRA memo says the term has referred to prejudice against Jews alone since it was first used.
The term has, however, since its inception referred to prejudice against Jews alone.Added on 12 Nov 2026Debunk this
Where they disagree
Who did it
Did Wilhelm Marr coin the word?
IHRA, the German Historical Institute and Stephen D. Smith credit Marr. A Forward language column says the credit is mistaken, because the word was used in 1860 by Moritz Steinschneider (an earlier event on this timeline). Add other sources.
Marr coined it, in 1879
Marr made the word to name the campaigns against Jews.
It was in use before Marr
Steinschneider used the adjective in 1860; crediting Marr is a mistake.
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