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
die Brigade
work brigade
In socialist states, especially in East Germany, the term for a work group in a company or an agricultural production cooperative (LPG).
EXAMPLE
Unsere Brigade hat das Plansoll für dieses Quartal übererfüllt.
Our work brigade exceeded the planned target for this quarter.
die Brigade
brigade / group
Figuratively, a group of people who work together on a shared task or toward a common goal.
EXAMPLE
Eine ganze Brigade von Freiwilligen half beim Aufräumen nach dem Sturm.
A whole brigade of volunteers helped with the cleanup after the storm.
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 Arbeitsgruppe
working group
Arbeitsgruppe is the general term for people who work together on a task. Brigade referred to an institutionally organized work group in a socialist workplace, especially in the GDR. For present-day workplaces, Arbeitsgruppe is usually the appropriate term; in a historical GDR context, Brigade may be suitable.
Brigade
In dem DDR-Betrieb arbeitete die Brigade gemeinsam an der Verbesserung der Verpackung.
In the GDR company, the work brigade worked together to improve the packaging.
Arbeitsgruppe
Der Betrieb bildet heute eine Arbeitsgruppe für die Verbesserung der Verpackung.
The company is forming a working group today to improve the packaging.
In real life
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