der  Freundeskreis

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfʁɔʏ̯ntəsˌkʁaɪ̯s/

👥 What does "der Freundeskreis" mean?

Der Freundeskreis refers to a group of people who are friends with each other. It's a social network based on mutual affection, trust, and support. The term emphasizes the closeness and cohesion of the group, much like a circle (Kreis).

There is only one article for this word: der. It always describes a social group.

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: Der Freundeskreis

The noun Freundeskreis is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Sein Freundeskreis ist ihm sehr wichtig. (His circle of friends is very important to him.)
2. Die Unterstützung des Freundeskreises half ihr durch die schwere Zeit. (The support of the circle of friends helped her through the difficult time.)
3. Er fühlt sich in dem Freundeskreis sehr wohl. (He feels very comfortable in the circle of friends.)
4. Sie hat ihren Freundeskreis zum Geburtstag eingeladen. (She invited her circle of friends to her birthday.)
5. Viele verschiedene Freundeskreise kamen auf der Party zusammen. (Many different circles of friends came together at the party.)
6. Er gehört jetzt zu unseren Freundeskreisen. (He now belongs to our circles of friends.)

💡 How to use "Freundeskreis"?

Freundeskreis is used to describe a person's group of close friends. It implies a deeper bond than, for example, Bekanntenkreis (circle of acquaintances).

• Typical contexts: Social relationships, personal networks, leisure activities, support systems.
• Distinction: A Freundeskreis is usually smaller and more intimate than a Bekanntenkreis. The relationships within a Freundeskreis are characterized by trust and emotional closeness.
• Extended use: Sometimes the term is also used for organizations or groups dedicated to a specific purpose whose members feel connected (e.g., "Freundeskreis des Museums" - 'Friends of the Museum').

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Here are a few ideas to help remember the word and its article:

For the article 'der': Think of 'DER' strong cohesion (der Zusammenhalt) in the circle. Also, der Kreis (the circle) is masculine, and Freundeskreis takes its gender.

For the meaning: Imagine an actual Kreis (circle) where your Freunde (friends) are standing – that's your Freundeskreis.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Note: Bekanntenkreis is not a direct synonym, as the quality of the relationship is different.

😄 A Little Joke

German: Warum treffen sich Mathematiker nie in einem Freundeskreis?
Weil sie Angst haben, in einer Endlosschleife aus π (Pi) gefangen zu sein!

English: Why do mathematicians never meet in a Freundeskreis (circle of friends)?
Because they are afraid of getting caught in an infinite loop of π (Pi)!

📜 A Poem about Friendship

German:
Ein Kreis, doch nicht aus Zirkelstrich,
gewoben aus Vertrauen, für dich und mich.
Der Freundeskreis, ein starkes Band,
hält fest zusammen, Hand in Hand.
In Freud und Leid, bei Tag und Nacht,
hat dieser Kreis uns stark gemacht.

English Translation:
A circle, but not drawn with compass bright,
Woven from trust, for you and me, with light.
The circle of friends, a sturdy tie,
Holds tightly together, hand-in-hand, nearby.
In joy and sorrow, day and night,
This circle has made us strong with might.

❓ A Little Riddle

German:
Ich habe keinen Anfang und kein End',
doch halte Menschen fest behend.
Ich bestehe aus Vertrauen, Spaß und mehr,
mein Zusammenhalt ist niemals leer.

Was bin ich?
(Lösung: Der Freundeskreis)

English:
I have no beginning and no end,
Yet I hold people tightly, my friend.
I consist of trust, fun, and more,
My cohesion is never poor.

What am I?
(Answer: Der Freundeskreis / The circle of friends)

🌱 Word Origins and Other Info

The word Freundeskreis is a compound noun:

• Freund: Means 'friend'.
• -es-: A linking 's' (genitive of Freund).
• Kreis: Means 'circle', symbolizing the closeness and community of the group.

In Germany, the Freundeskreis often holds significant value and is considered an important social support system.