clan
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clan
An extended family or association of families connected by common ancestry and a common name, especially in Scotland and Ireland.
Jeder schottische Clan hatte sein eigenes, einzigartiges Tartan-Muster.
Every Scottish clan had its own unique tartan pattern.
'Clan' is a loanword from English that originally comes from Gaelic. While it originally referred to Scottish family groups, its meaning in German has expanded to other closely connected groups.
Die Geschichte der schottischen Clans ist sehr faszinierend.
The history of the Scottish clans is very fascinating.
The meaning of 'Clan' depends strongly on the topic. In a historical context, it is about Scottish families. In news reports and police reports, criminal groups are often meant. In the context of hobbies, it usually refers to groups of computer gamers.
Der Reiseführer erzählte uns viel über den schottischen Clan der Campbells.
The tour guide told us a lot about the Scottish clan of the Campbells.
When 'Clan' is used in connection with crime, the word has a very negative meaning. It describes an isolated group, often organized along family lines, that is involved in illegal activities.
Die Ermittler beobachten die Aktivitäten des Clans schon seit Monaten.
The investigators have been observing the clan's activities for months.
In the gaming context, typical phrases are 'einem Clan beitreten' (to join a clan), 'einen Clan gründen' (to found a clan), or 'Mitglieder für einen Clan suchen' (to look for members for a clan). Here the word is used completely neutrally.
Er möchte einem professionellen Gaming-Clan beitreten.
He wants to join a professional gaming clan.
family
'die Familie' and 'der Clan' can both mean a closely connected group. 'Familie' is the normal, neutral word for relatives. 'Clan' is more specific: it can mean a large family group with common ancestry, but also a very closed-off group. Sometimes 'Clan' sounds derogatory, especially when a group strongly shuts itself off from outsiders. In computer games, a 'Clan' is a fixed group of players. Learners may confuse the words because both express closeness and cohesion. In everyday life, 'Familie' is almost always more natural for relatives; 'Clan' is used only in special contexts.
Im Online-Spiel trainiert Max jeden Freitag mit seinem Clan.
In the online game, Max trains with his clan every Friday.
Unsere Familie trifft sich jedes Jahr im Sommer bei meiner Tante.
Our family meets at my aunt's house every summer.