das  Gefolge

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈfɔlgə/

👑 What does "das Gefolge" mean?

Das Gefolge refers to a group of people accompanying an important or high-ranking person (like a king, queen, president, or star). It means the companions, the entourage, or the retinue.

It's a collective noun, describing a group as a single unit.

Examples:

• Das Gefolge des Königs wartete im Vorzimmer. (The king's entourage waited in the antechamber.)
• Der Popstar reist nie ohne sein zahlreiches Gefolge. (The pop star never travels without his large entourage.)

⚠️ Attention: The word is mostly used in the singular, even when referring to multiple people. A plural form ("die Gefolge") is very rare and unusual.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "das Gefolge" in Detail

"Gefolge" is a noun of the neuter gender. The article is das.

Declension (Singular): Since it's mostly used in the singular, we'll focus on that.

Note: A plural ("die Gefolge") is grammatically possible but extremely rare in practice.

Example Sentences for Grammar

1. Der Minister erschien mit seinem gesamten Gefolge. (The minister appeared with his entire entourage - Dative after 'mit').
2. Die Ankunft des Gefolges wurde angekündigt. (The arrival of the entourage was announced - Genitive).
3. Man sah das Gefolge des Botschafters aussteigen. (One saw the ambassador's entourage getting out - Accusative).

🗣️ How to use "das Gefolge"?

"Das Gefolge" is typically used in contexts implying hierarchy or a certain status. It often sounds somewhat formal or historical.

• Context: Often used when reporting on nobility, politicians, celebrities, or historical figures.
• Style: Rather elevated language; can sound a bit stiff in casual conversation.
• Comparison:
  • Begleitung (die): More neutral, can also refer to just one person. ("Er kam in Begleitung seiner Frau." - He came accompanied by his wife.)
  • Anhang (der): Can sometimes sound slightly derogatory, like hangers-on. ("Er brachte seinen ganzen Anhang mit." - He brought his whole crowd along.)
  • Tross (der): Often military or for a large, sometimes disorganized group.
  • Entourage (die): A direct loanword from French with the same meaning, often used for celebrities.

One can also speak of a "Gefolge von Problemen" (an entourage/train of problems) when one thing leads to many negative consequences, but this is a more figurative meaning.

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Gefolge"

Article Mnemonic (das): Think of das Gefolge like the TEAM. A team is often considered singular ('the team is...') and consists of several people following a goal – similar to the Gefolge following a person. Many German collective nouns starting with Ge- are neuter (das).

Meaning Mnemonic: The word "Gefolge" contains the verb "folgen" (to follow). Das Gefolge is the group that follows someone.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

Similar but Misleading Words:

• Folge (die): Consequence, result, or episode of a series. (Different gender, different meaning)
• Gefolgschaft (die): The body of followers; often in historical or political context (feudalism). (Similar, but different focus)

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der König sein Gefolge: "Ist mein Witz gut angekommen?"
Antwortet der Hofnarr: "Majestät, er war so gut, dass selbst die Wachen gelacht haben – allerdings erst, nachdem Ihr gelacht habt!"

Translation: The king asks his entourage: "Was my joke well received?"
The jester replies: "Your Majesty, it was so good that even the guards laughed – but only after you laughed!"

📜 Poem about the Gefolge

Wo der Herrscher geht und steht,
Ein Schatten ihm zur Seite weht.
Nicht einer nur, nein, eine Schar,
Das Gefolge, immer da.

Mit ernster Miene, leisem Schritt,
Gehen sie auf Schritt und Tritt.
Diener, Wachen, Rat und Freund,
Im Glanz des Einen treu vereint.

Translation:
Wherever the ruler goes and stands,
A shadow drifts beside his hands.
Not just one, no, quite a crowd,
The entourage, always allowed.

With serious faces, quiet pace,
They follow him in time and space.
Servants, guards, counsel, and friend,
Loyally united in his light, no end.

❓ Riddle

Ich bin eine Gruppe, doch zähle oft als eins.
Ich folge dem Wichtigen, bei Sonne und bei Scheins.
Königinnen und Stars haben mich gern dabei,
Wer bin ich, sag schnell, eins, zwei, drei?

Translation:
I am a group, but often count as one.
I follow the important one, through rain and sun.
Queens and stars like having me nearby,
Who am I? Tell me quickly, don't be shy!

Solution: Das Gefolge (The entourage/retinue)

ℹ️ Other Information

Word Origin (Etymology): The word "Gefolge" derives from the verb "folgen" (to follow). The prefix "Ge-" in German often serves to form collective nouns (like "Gebirge" - mountains, from "Berg" - mountain; or "Gewässer" - bodies of water, from "Wasser" - water). Thus, it describes the entirety of those who follow.

Historical Context: The term has strong roots in the Middle Ages and the Early Modern period, where the size and splendor of the Gefolge were signs of power and status (e.g., the court of a prince).