die Begleitung
companion
One or more people who accompany someone to a place or event.
EXAMPLE
Der Minister erschien in Begleitung seiner Frau auf dem Empfang.
The minister appeared at the reception in the company of his wife.
die Begleitung
companion / accompaniment
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Meanings
die Begleitung
accompaniment
The musical backing for a soloist or a main voice.
EXAMPLE
Die Sängerin wurde von einer sanften Klavierbegleitung unterstützt.
The singer was supported by a gentle piano accompaniment.
die Begleitung
accompaniment
The act of accompanying; being present in order to provide protection or company.
EXAMPLE
Die alte Dame bat um eine Begleitung auf dem Weg nach Hause.
The elderly lady asked for accompaniment on the way home.
Usage tips
Word formation
The noun 'die Begleitung' (companion / accompaniment) is derived directly from the verb 'begleiten' (to accompany). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a feminine noun that describes the action or its result.
EXAMPLE
Die Begleitung durch die Polizei sorgte für Sicherheit.
The accompaniment by the police provided security.
Fixed preposition
When a person is accompanied by another person, you use the fixed expression 'in Begleitung von' (in the company of), followed by a person in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Die Kanzlerin traf in Begleitung von mehreren Ministern ein.
The chancellor arrived in the company of several ministers.
Context clues
The context makes clear which meaning is intended. If it is about people, it refers to the accompanying person. Words like 'Klavier' (piano) or 'Gesang' (singing) point to the musical meaning. If it is about a service, it refers to the act of accompanying.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Begleitung für den Abend war ein alter Schulfreund.
Her companion for the evening was an old school friend.
Compare with
Begleitung vs Gesellschaft
society / company
Gesellschaft emphasizes that people spend time together and that someone is not alone. Begleitung emphasizes that one person goes with someone to a place or event, or is present there in an accompanying role.
Begleitung
Anna war meine Begleitung zum Empfang.
Anna was my companion to the reception.
Gesellschaft
Beim Empfang leistete mir Anna den ganzen Abend Gesellschaft.
At the reception, Anna kept me company all evening.
In real life
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