ground troops
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ground troops
Military units that operate and fight on land, as opposed to the air force or navy. Usually used in the plural.
Die Offensive wurde von Panzern und Bodentruppen angeführt.
The offensive was led by tanks and ground troops.
This noun is composed of 'der Boden' (the ground) and 'die Truppe' (the troop/unit). So it literally refers to a troop that operates on the ground.
Die Luftwaffe gab den Bodentruppen aus der Luft Deckung.
The air force gave the ground troops cover from the air.
Although the singular form 'die Bodentruppe' exists, the word is usually used in the plural, 'die Bodentruppen' (ground troops), to refer to the individual units or soldiers.
Für die Mission wurden mehrere tausend Bodentruppen mobilisiert.
Several thousand ground troops were mobilized for the mission.
The figurative meaning can be recognized from the context. If people are talking about a company, a project, or sales, it refers to the employees at the base level. In a military context, such as war or the army, the literal meaning is intended.
Das Management sollte mehr auf die Vorschläge der Bodentruppen hören.
Management should listen more to the suggestions of the people on the ground.
Using 'Bodentruppen' (ground troops) for employees is colloquial and figurative. It creates an image of the people who do the real work 'an der Front' (on the front line).
Unsere Bodentruppen im Außendienst kennen die Kunden am besten.
Our people on the ground in field sales know the customers best.
basis / base
'die Basis' and 'die Bodentruppe' can both refer to people below the leadership level. 'die Basis' is more neutral and fits especially with parties, unions, or organizations: it means the ordinary members as opposed to the leadership. 'die Bodentruppe' is more colloquial and figurative. It often refers to the employees who do the practical work out in the field or on site. The words can be confused because both show a contrast with leadership. 'Basis' sounds more factual, while 'Bodentruppe' emphasizes practical work on site.
Ohne die Bodentruppe im Kundenservice würde der neue Plan nicht funktionieren.
Without the people on the ground in customer service, the new plan would not work.
Viele Entscheidungen kommen bei der Basis der Gewerkschaft nicht gut an.
Many decisions do not go down well with the union's grassroots.