der  Tross

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/tʁɔs/

🗺️ What exactly is "der Tross"?

The word der Tross (masculine) mainly has two meanings:

1. Historical/Military: The entirety of non-combatant personnel (e.g., craftsmen, merchants, family members) and material (luggage, supplies, tents) following an army or troop. Often referred to as the Gefolge (entourage) or Bagage (baggage train).
2. Figurative/Colloquial: A (often somewhat disorganized or cumbersome) group of people following someone or something; an entourage, a following. Example: "Der Star kam mit seinem ganzen Tross zur Premiere." (The star arrived at the premiere with his entire entourage.)

⚠️ Be aware: The word can sometimes sound slightly derogatory, especially in the figurative sense, similar to 'entourage' or 'following' when used critically.

🧐 Grammar of "der Tross"

The noun "Tross" is masculine. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

• Der Tross des Heeres zog langsam durch das Tal. (The army's baggage train moved slowly through the valley. - Historical)
• Der Politiker reist nie ohne seinen Tross von Beratern. (The politician never travels without his entourage of advisors. - Figurative)
• Im Genitiv heißt es "des Trosses". (In the genitive case, it's "des Trosses".)
• Die Trosse der verschiedenen Regimenter vereinigten sich. (The baggage trains of the different regiments joined together. - Plural)

💡 How to use "der Tross"?

The usage of der Tross strongly depends on the context:

• Historical Context: Here, "der Tross" clearly refers to the non-combatant followers of an army in the Middle Ages or early modern period. It's a standard term in historiography and military history.
• Modern/Figurative Context: Today, the word is often used slightly ironically or critically for a group of accompanying persons perceived as large, perhaps unnecessary, or cumbersome. It can refer to the entourage of celebrities, politicians, or other important figures.
• Distinction: While Gefolge (entourage, following) can be more neutral, Tross often carries a slightly chaotic or unwieldy connotation. Bagage is usually even more negative and derogatory.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Tross"

For the article: Imagine DER Boss (masculine 'der') leading his large entrossage. A male leader (der) leads *the Tross*.

For the meaning: The *Tross* is like a large group that someone has to *toss* supplies to, or that *crosses* the land behind the army or a VIP.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for "der Tross"

☝️ Similar words: Don't confuse with "Trott" (drudgery, trot) or "Drossel" (thrush (bird) or throttle (technical)).

😄 A Little Joke

Warum nimmt der König seinen Tross immer mit ins Casino?
(Why does the king always take his entourage to the casino?)

Damit er jemanden hat, der die Verluste trägt! 😉
(So he has someone to *carry* the losses!)

📜 Poem about the Tross

Dem Heere folgt, bei Staub und Hitze,
(Following the army, in dust and heat,)
mit Wagen, Vieh und Kindessitze,
(With wagons, cattle, and children's seats,)
der Tross, ein bunter, lauter Schwarm,
(The Tross, a colorful, loud swarm,)
hält Händler, Koch und Weib warm.
(Keeps merchant, cook, and wife warm.)
Er zieht gemächlich, Schritt für Schritt,
(It moves leisurely, step by step,)
und nimmt die ganze Mühe mit.
(And carries all the trouble along.)

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich folge dem Heer, doch kämpfe ich nicht,
(I follow the army, but I don't fight,)
trage Lasten und Proviant ans Licht.
(Carry burdens and bring supplies to light.)
Mal bin ich historisch, mal ein moderner Zug,
(Sometimes I'm historical, sometimes a modern train/following,)
wer bin ich, dieser bunte Betrug*?
(Who am I, this colorful deceit*?)
(*in the sense of entourage/following)

Solution: der Tross

ℹ️ Additional Information

Word Origin (Etymology): The word "Tross" comes from the Middle High German word "trosse" or "drosse", which originally meant "bundle" or "luggage". From this, the meaning developed to encompass the entire baggage train and the accompanying people of an army.

Cultural Significance: The *Tross* played a crucial role in medieval and early modern warfare, ensuring the supply and logistics of armies. Its management was often a major challenge.