Talk:Brandschatzung

The modern (originally: mistaken, but now common) sense appears to first arise in the second half of the 20th century. Probably from the common juxtaposition of "Plünderung und Brandschatzung", originally "pillaging and exaction of tribute" (as alternatives), interpreted as synonyms like "looting and pillaging". Here is a 1922 example of the "wrong" usage (the "Brandschatzung" of Hamburg of 840: in 840, Hamburg was actually pillaged by Vikings). But at this time, this usage would probably qualify as mistaken. The "wrong" usage appears to become more common after during the 1950s and 1960s[1] even though "correct" usage remains prevalent.

I don't know when the "new" meaning first became endorsed by notable dictionaries, but it cannot have been more than 20 years or so. This creates a confusing situation, because the term now has two meanings that are exactly opposite: both "burning a city" and "NOT burning a city (but collecting tribute instead)". [2] [3] [4][5] --Dbachmann 10:37, 23 August 2011 (UTC)