01
die Brigade
brigade
A large military unit that usually consists of several battalions or regiments and is part of a division.
example
Die Brigade wurde an die Front verlegt.
The brigade was moved to the front.
die Brigade
brigade
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clues
The meaning of 'Brigade' (brigade) is highly context-dependent. It can refer to a military unit, a work group (historical, East Germany), or colloquially to any group of people.
EXAMPLE
Die Feuerwehr-Brigade war schnell am Einsatzort.
The fire brigade arrived quickly at the scene.
Historical context
The meaning as 'Arbeitsgruppe' (work group) is specific to East Germany and other former socialist states. Without this historical context, this usage is difficult to understand.
EXAMPLE
In dem Roman über die DDR arbeitete die Hauptfigur in einer Brigade in einem Stahlwerk.
In the novel about East Germany, the main character worked in a brigade at a steelworks.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative meaning, the word is often used somewhat ironically or colloquially for a group with a shared task. The phrase 'eine ganze Brigade von ...' (a whole brigade of ...) is typical.
EXAMPLE
Für den Umzug kam eine ganze Brigade von Freunden zum Helfen.
A whole brigade of friends came to help with the move.
Compare with
Brigade vs Gruppe
group
'die Gruppe' and 'die Brigade' can both refer to people who belong together or work together. 'Gruppe' is much more general and neutral. It fits small or large groupings in everyday life and also a small military unit. 'Brigade' is more specific: it mainly refers to a larger military unit. In certain historical or figurative contexts, it can also mean a work brigade or a group for a shared task. Learners may confuse the words because both describe people in a unit. In normal everyday life, you almost always say 'Gruppe'; 'Brigade' only fits in special, often military or figurative situations.
Brigade
Die Feuerwehr schickt eine Brigade in das überschwemmte Gebiet.
The fire department is sending a brigade into the flooded area.
Gruppe
Vor der Reise hilfst du der Gruppe beim Packen der Taschen.
Before the trip, you help the group pack the bags.
In real life
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