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das Bataillon
battalion
A military unit consisting of several companies and forming part of a regiment.
example
Das Bataillon wurde an die Front verlegt.
The battalion was moved to the front.
das Bataillon
battalion
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word origin
'Bataillon' is a loanword from French. This explains the ending '-aillon', which is unusual for German, and the stress on the last syllable.
EXAMPLE
Der General inspizierte das gesamte Bataillon.
The general inspected the entire battalion.
Figurative meaning
In a figurative sense, 'Bataillon' is used for a large crowd of people that often seems organized. This use often has a slightly exaggerated or humorous undertone.
EXAMPLE
Ein ganzes Bataillon von Fans wartete am Hoteleingang auf die Band.
A whole battalion of fans was waiting for the band at the hotel entrance.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, the word is often used for specific groups, for example 'ein Bataillon Journalisten' (a battalion of journalists), 'ein Bataillon Touristen' (a battalion of tourists), or 'ein Bataillon Anwälte' (a battalion of lawyers).
EXAMPLE
Zur Eröffnung des neuen Geschäfts kam ein Bataillon von Neugierigen.
A battalion of curious onlookers came to the opening of the new store.
Compare with
Bataillon vs Gruppe
group
'die Gruppe' and 'das Bataillon' can both refer to military units. The most important difference is size and precision. In the military, a 'Gruppe' is a small unit with a few soldiers. A 'Bataillon' is much larger and consists of several companies. In everyday language, 'Gruppe' can also be used very generally for people or things, while 'Bataillon' sounds clearly military or is used only figuratively for a very large number.
Bataillon
Das Bataillon wurde am Morgen in eine andere Stadt verlegt.
The battalion was moved to another city in the morning.
Gruppe
Die Gruppe wartete am Eingang auf den Befehl des Unteroffiziers.
The squad waited at the entrance for the non-commissioned officer's order.
In real life
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