When you talk about what’s visible, shared, or out in the open—whether it’s news, opinion, or appearance—you’re in the realm of the public. Knowing how to say Public in German is crucial if you want to engage with German news, politics, media, or even describe everyday exposure. The word is die Öffentlichkeit, and it’s one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German. From headlines to casual speech, Public in German is a word that carries serious weight.

Öffentlichkeit is feminine—die Öffentlichkeit—and pronounced URF-ent-lish-kite, with a slight rounding of the opening Ö (like the “i” in “bird” but with rounded lips). If you're still puzzled by noun gender, our fast, practical video lesson clears it up in just a few minutes—especially for those who don’t like grammar rules.

The word refers to “the public” as a collective, abstract idea: the people at large, the general audience, or the space where things become visible or open to discussion. You’ll see it in expressions like an die Öffentlichkeit gehen (to go public), in der Öffentlichkeit stehen (to be in the public eye), or von der Öffentlichkeit kritisiert werden (to be criticized by the public).

While it might look like the adjective öffentlich (public), Öffentlichkeit is the noun form, and it behaves differently. It’s often contrasted with Privatleben (private life), Geheimhaltung (secrecy), or Nichtöffentlichkeit (non-public settings, e.g. closed meetings).

The word is especially common in journalism, government, and activism—anywhere transparency and visibility are hot topics. In these contexts, it often implies more than just “people”—it suggests accountability.

Example Sentences

Der Skandal wurde erst durch einen Bericht an die Öffentlichkeit gebracht.
The scandal only became public through a report.

In der Öffentlichkeit sollte man sich respektvoll verhalten.
In public, one should behave respectfully.

Die Entscheidung wurde bewusst vor der Öffentlichkeit geheim gehalten.
The decision was deliberately kept secret from the public.

Beginner Dialogue

Sarah: Warum wurde das Interview abgesagt?
David: Der Politiker wollte nicht in die Öffentlichkeit treten.

Translation
Sarah: Why was the interview cancelled?
David: The politician didn’t want to appear in public.

Duden entry:
https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Oeffentlichkeit

Want more words for societal roles and reactions?
Check out Pilot to explore careers in the skies and public trust.
Or revisit Offizier to learn how ranks and titles shape public life.

Viel Erfolg beim Deutschlernen – and keep learning words like Public in German to speak confidently in (and about) the world of Öffentlichkeit.