In German language the two terms "Soziale Psychiatrie" and "Sozialpsychiatrie" are used without any clear distinction. In this paper a historical analysis of the connotations of the two terms is made while underlying concepts are not considered. In the 19th century the words social and medicine were connected. At the beginning of the 20th century the terms "Soziale Psychiatrie" and "Sozialpsychiatrie" appeared in German as synonyma. In Germany-unlike, for instance, in the USA-ideas of segregation of the mentally ill and of eugenics were also regarded as "Soziale Psychiatrie". In difference to this connotation "Soziale Psychiatrie" described intentedly ideological positions in the 70's, while a certain of area of research was rather associated with "Sozialpsychiatrie". Finally, a more precise use of the terms is suggested for current discussions.
