What term was used by the Nazis to brand German Expressionism?

The accurate term that the Nazis used to label German Expressionism was "Degenerate art." This term was part of a broader campaign by the Nazi regime to discredit modern art movements that they deemed corrupt or contrary to "pure" German values. The Nazis organized the notorious Degenerate Art Exhibition in Munich in 1937, which showcased works of art they considered to be a threat to traditional German culture and encouraged public disdain for these artworks.

German Expressionism, characterized by its emotional intensity and distorted representations, was particularly targeted due to its associations with avant-garde movements and its often critical stance on societal issues. The regime aimed to promote art that aligned with their ideological views, glorifying realism and classical styles while condemning experimental and modernist expressions, which they associated with Jewish influence and cultural decay.

Terms like "Jewish science," "barbaric filmmaking," and "Western influence" do not specifically reflect the language used by the Nazis to describe German Expressionism or the motivations behind their censorship of such artistic movements. Understanding this context is crucial for grasping the profound impact of political ideology on artistic expression during the Nazi era.