Anschluss

American  

[ahn-shloos] / ˈɑn ʃlʊs /

noun

1. union, especially the political union of Austria with Germany in 1938.

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Anschluss British  

/ ˈænʃlʊs /

noun

1. a political or economic union, esp the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany (1938)

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Etymology

Origin of Anschluss

1920–25; < German: consolidation, joining together, equivalent to an- on, to + Schluss a closing

Example Sentences

"I found out that he became a member of the Nazi Party around 21st of April 1938, just a few days after the Anschluss," when Adolf Hitler annexed Austria to Germany, he said.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

After the Anschluss, the annexation of Austria by Germany, Samuel transferred his bank accounts to London and converted his assets into gold, which he used to finance the family’s escape.

From New York Times • Dec. 30, 2022

Mr. Nitsch was born in Vienna on Aug. 29, 1938, the year of the Nazi annexation of Austria, known as the Anschluss.

From Washington Post • Apr. 22, 2022

“Just whistle a happy tune,” she wrote, “and leave the Anschluss behind.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2021

Furthermore, the treaty forbade an Anschluss, or “union,” between Austria and Germany, even though a large population of ethnic Germans lived in Austria.

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti