How to Pronounce Henry Kissinger (in English & German)

Meaning and Context

Henry Kissinger, born Heinz Alfred Kissinger in Fürth, Germany in 1923, was a preeminent and often controversial American diplomat and geopolitical strategist who fundamentally shaped 20th-century international relations. Appointed National Security Advisor in 1969 and serving as U.S. Secretary of State from 1973 to 1977 under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, Kissinger was the chief architect of a realist foreign policy defined by détente with the Soviet Union, the historic opening to the People's Republic of China in 1972, and the Paris Peace Accords intended to end the Vietnam War. His philosophy of realpolitik, emphasizing pragmatic national interest over ideological considerations, left an indelible mark on American diplomacy, Middle East shuttle diplomacy, and global power dynamics. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973, Kissinger remained an influential author and consultant on international affairs until his death in 2023, his legacy perpetually debated by scholars of U.S. foreign policy and Cold War history.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard and correct spelling in English is Henry Kissinger. A common misspelling arises from phonetic errors, resulting in Kissenger (with an 'e') or, less frequently, Kissingr. In German, his birth name was Heinz Alfred Kissinger, with the surname spelled identically. Users may also encounter the erroneous Kissingerr (double 'r') or Kissigar. When searching, it is important to use the correct "ss" rather than a "ß" (eszett), as the name is consistently spelled with "ss" in both modern English and German references, despite its German origin. For historical documents referencing his early life, the German spelling of his first name, Heinz, is relevant.

Example Sentences

Historians often cite Henry Kissinger's secret diplomatic trip to Beijing in 1971 as a masterstroke of realpolitik that realigned the global balance of power.

Despite receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, Kissinger's involvement in covert operations in Chile and the bombing campaigns in Southeast Asia continues to draw intense criticism from human rights advocates.

In his later years, Henry Kissinger frequently offered commentary on the geopolitical implications of artificial intelligence and cyber warfare.

The diplomat's distinct, gravelly voice and German-accented English became instantly recognizable in media appearances for decades.

Scholars analyzing the Yom Kippur War of 1973 meticulously study Kissinger's shuttle diplomacy between Egypt, Syria, and Israel.

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