How to Pronounce Marie-Pierre Kœnig

Meaning and Context

Marie-Pierre Kœnig was a distinguished French Army general and a towering figure of the French Resistance, whose leadership during World War II became emblematic of Free France's resilience. Appointed by Charles de Gaulle, Kœnig is most renowned for his pivotal command during the Battle of Bir Hakeim in 1942, where his defiant stand against Rommel's Afrika Korps galvanized Allied morale and became a symbol of French valor. His strategic role continued as he was named the military governor of Paris upon its liberation in August 1944, a key moment in French military history and the liberation of Paris. Following the war, his service extended into politics; he served as Minister of National Defense in 1954 and was posthumously honored with the prestigious title Maréchal de France in 1984. His legacy is a cornerstone of Free French Forces lore and remains integral to narratives of Allied command in WWII and French national pride.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The name Marie-Pierre Kœnig presents specific orthographic challenges, primarily due to the French diacritics and the unique ligature. The most critical element is the "œ" in "Kœnig," which is a ligature of the letters 'o' and 'e'. A common error is to replace it with a simple "oe" (as in "Koening" or "Koenig"), which alters the proper French spelling. The umlaut (diaeresis) over the 'e' in "Kœnig" is also sometimes misplaced or omitted. Furthermore, his first name is correctly hyphenated as "Marie-Pierre," though it is occasionally written without the hyphen or with a space. In English-language contexts, the ligature is often simplified, but the most accurate rendering remains "Kœnig." Searches may also be affected by the misspelling "Koenig," which is a common German surname, leading to potential confusion in historical records.

Example Sentences

Following the triumphant liberation of Paris, General Marie-Pierre Kœnig assumed the role of military governor, tasked with restoring order in the euphoric capital.

Historians often cite Kœnig's tenacious defense at the Battle of Bir Hakeim as a critical turning point for the prestige of the Free French Forces.

In recognition of his lifetime of service, the French Republic elevated Marie-Pierre Kœnig to the dignity of Maréchal de France nearly two decades after the war's end.

Many biographies detail how Kœnig's leadership provided a crucial link between the exiled government of Charles de Gaulle and the resistance fighters within occupied France.

A statue honoring Maréchal Kœnig now stands in Paris, commemorating his indelible mark on the nation's modern history.

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