der  Personenkreis

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/pɛʁˈzoːnənˌkʁaɪs/

👥 What exactly is a Personenkreis?

The German word der Personenkreis (masculine) refers to a specific, definable group of people characterised by shared features, interests, affiliations, or circumstances. It's a compound word formed from „Personen“ (plural of Person, person) and „Kreis“ (circle).

Unlike a more casual „Gruppe“ (group), „Personenkreis“ often implies a more precise definition, frequently used in administrative, legal, or social contexts (e.g., der Personenkreis der Leistungsberechtigten - the group of beneficiaries, der betroffene Personenkreis - the affected group of people).

⚠️ There's only one article: der Personenkreis.

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Declension of "der Personenkreis"

The noun „Personenkreis“ is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

Singular

Plural

💡 Example Sentences

• Der Personenkreis der Anspruchsberechtigten wurde erweitert.
  (The group of eligible persons was expanded.)
• Wir müssen den genauen Personenkreis für diese Maßnahme definieren.
  (We need to define the exact group of people for this measure.)
• Gehören Sie zu dem genannten Personenkreis?
  (Do you belong to the mentioned group of people?)
• Die Studie konzentriert sich auf einen bestimmten Personenkreis.
  (The study focuses on a specific group of people.)

✍️ Usage in Daily Life and Official Language

The term „Personenkreis“ is often used in more formal contexts, especially:

• Behördendeutsch / Verwaltungssprache (Officialese / Administrative Language): To define groups relevant for specific benefits, rules, or measures (e.g., „förderfähiger Personenkreis“ - eligible group).
• Legal Language: To delineate groups in laws or regulations (e.g., „schutzbedürftiger Personenkreis“ - vulnerable group requiring protection).
• Social Sciences / Market Research: To denote target groups or study populations (e.g., „der befragte Personenkreis“ - the group of people surveyed).
• Everyday Language: Less common, but possible, to describe a defined group of acquaintances or colleagues (e.g., „unser üblicher Personenkreis für den Stammtisch“ - our usual group for the regulars' table).

Compared to „Gruppe“ (group), „Personenkreis“ is more specific and often sounds more official. „Zielgruppe“ (target group) is similar but more focused on marketing or communication. „Klientel“ (clientele) usually refers to customers or clients.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Remembering the Article: Think of „der Kreis“ (the circle). A Personenkreis is just a specific type of circle (made of people), so it stays masculine: der Kreis -> der Personenkreis.

Remembering the Meaning: Imagine Personen (people) gathering in a Kreis (circle) to form a specific group. They stand in a circle because they share something or are addressed together – that's the Personenkreis.

↔️ Similar and Opposite Terms

🚨 Caution with similar words: „Bekanntenkreis“ is a specific Personenkreis (acquaintances), „Familienkreis“ likewise (family). „Kreis“ alone can have other meanings (geometric shape, administrative district).

😄 A Little Joke

Warum treffen sich Beamte immer im Kreisverkehr?
(Why do civil servants always meet in roundabouts?)

Weil dort der definierte Personenkreis am besten zirkulieren kann!
(Because that's where the defined group of people can circulate best!)

📜 Poem about the Personenkreis

Ein Personenkreis, klar definiert,
(A group of people, clearly defined,)
wer dazugehört, ist instruiert.
(who belongs is instructed.)
Durch Merkmale verbunden, groß oder klein,
(Connected by features, large or small,)
so soll die Gemeinschaft sein.
(so the community shall be.)

Ob Anspruch, Recht, ob Ziel im Plan,
(Whether claim, right, or goal in the plan,)
der Kreis zieht eng die Menschenbahn.
(the circle draws the human path tightly.)
Im Amt, im Leben, überall,
(In office, in life, everywhere,)
hört man von ihm den Widerhall.
(one hears its echo.)

❓ Fun Riddle

Ich bin kein Zirkel, doch zieh' ich Grenzen,
(I'm not a compass, yet I draw boundaries,)
besteh' aus Menschen, die sich ergänzen.
(consist of people who complement each other.)
Mal für ein Recht, mal für ein Ziel,
(Sometimes for a right, sometimes for a goal,)
im Amt kennt man mich sehr viel.
(in official contexts, I am very well known.)

Wer bin ich? / Who am I?

Lösung / Solution: der Personenkreis

🧩 Other Interesting Details

Word Composition

The word „Personenkreis“ is a determinative compound noun. It consists of:

• Determinant: Personen (plural of Person)
• Base word: Kreis (circle)

The base word „Kreis“ determines the gender (masculine): der Kreis → der Personenkreis.

Style Level

„Personenkreis“ belongs more to formal or official language (administration, law, science). In casual conversation, one would more likely use „Gruppe“ (group), „Leute“ (people), or „Clique“.