federation / waistband / bunch
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federal government
The federal level of government of a state, especially the Federal Republic of Germany. Refers to the entirety of the central state institutions.
Der Bund investiert in den Ausbau der digitalen Infrastruktur.
The federal government is investing in the expansion of digital infrastructure.
alliance
An association or alliance of people, groups, or states for a common purpose.
Die drei Kantone schlossen einen ewigen Bund zur gegenseitigen Verteidigung.
The three cantons formed an eternal alliance for mutual defense.
waistband
The upper, often reinforced edge of a garment that sits around the waist or hips, for example on trousers or a skirt.
Der Bund dieser Hose ist mir nach dem Waschen zu eng geworden.
The waistband of these trousers has become too tight for me after washing.
bunch
A tied-together quantity of things, such as herbs, keys, or asparagus.
Sie kaufte auf dem Markt einen Bund frischen Spargel.
She bought a bunch of fresh asparagus at the market.
bond of marriage
A poetic or formal paraphrase for marriage.
Mit ihrer Hochzeit schlossen die beiden den Bund fürs Leben.
With their wedding, the two entered into the bond of marriage.
fret
A small metal strip on the fingerboard of string instruments such as guitars, marking the place where a string is pressed down to produce a specific pitch.
Für diesen Akkord musst du den Finger auf den dritten Bund der A-Saite legen.
For this chord, you have to place your finger on the third fret of the A string.
The noun 'der Bund' is closely related to the verb 'binden' (to bind/tie). This connection helps explain the different meanings: a government binds a state together, an alliance binds partners, and a waistband binds the garment.
Die beiden Länder schlossen einen Bund, um ihre wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit zu stärken.
The two countries formed an alliance to strengthen their economic cooperation.
The context makes it clear which meaning is intended. In political news, 'der Bund' refers to the federal government. In connection with clothing, it means the waistband of trousers or a skirt. With foods like herbs or vegetables, it refers to a tied-together bunch.
Der Bund hat neue Gesetze zur Cybersicherheit beschlossen.
The federal government has passed new laws on cybersecurity.
When 'der Bund' refers to the German federal government, it is often treated like a proper noun and capitalized. In this context, people also speak of 'dem Bund und den Ländern' (the federal government and the states) to describe the federal structure.
Die Finanzierung des Projekts wird zwischen Bund und Ländern aufgeteilt.
The funding of the project will be divided between the federal government and the states.
When 'Bund' means an alliance or a pact, it is often used with the verb 'schließen' (to conclude/form). The fixed phrase is 'einen Bund schließen' (to form an alliance).
Die beiden Unternehmen schlossen einen Bund, um gemeinsam ein neues Produkt zu entwickeln.
The two companies formed an alliance to develop a new product together.
In the meaning of 'tied-together quantity', 'Bund' often appears with things that can be bundled. Typical examples are 'ein Bund Karotten' (a bunch of carrots), 'ein Bund Radieschen' (a bunch of radishes), or 'ein Bund Schlüssel' (a bunch of keys).
Er trug einen großen Bund Schlüssel an seinem Gürtel.
He carried a large bunch of keys on his belt.
The poetic description for a marriage, 'der Bund fürs Leben' (the bond for life), is almost always combined with the verb 'schließen' (to conclude/enter into): 'den Bund fürs Leben schließen' (to enter into the bond of marriage).
Vor zehn Jahren haben meine Eltern den Bund fürs Leben geschlossen.
Ten years ago, my parents entered into the bond of marriage.
union
Union and Bund can both refer to an association of states or groups. Union often suggests a closer political or economic association, while Bund also works for a common alliance. With established names, the standard designation determines which term is used.
Die Staaten schlossen einen Bund für gemeinsame wirtschaftliche Ziele.
The states formed an alliance to pursue common economic goals.
Die Staaten arbeiten in der Europäischen Union politisch und wirtschaftlich zusammen.
The states cooperate politically and economically in the European Union.
