Degenerate art. Degenerate art is the English translation of the German phrase Entartete Kunst which is the label the National Socialist (Nazi) party, under its leader Adolph Hitler, applied to art they did not approve of, in an attempt to bring art under their control.1 of 3.Edvard Munch.egenerate art is the English translation of the German phrase Entartete Kunst which is the label the National Socialist (Nazi) party, under its leader Adolph Hitler, applied to art they did not approve of, in an attempt to bring art under their control. 1 of 3. Edvard Munch.