Kulturkampf

noun

Kul·​tur·​kampf ku̇l-ˈtu̇r-ˌkäm(p)f 

: conflict between civil government and religious authorities especially over control of education and church appointments

broadly : a conflict between cultures or value systems

Examples of Kulturkampf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

First, the orchestra is embracing pluralism and diversity in the face of a right-wing Kulturkampf. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025

The first of these maneuvers, the Kulturkampf of the 1870s, was directed against the third of the Prussian population that was Catholic. — Michael Bernhard, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2011

Word History

Etymology

German, from Kultur + Kampf conflict

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above