01
die Crew
crew
The entire crew of a ship, airplane, or spacecraft.
example
Die Crew des Flugzeugs begrüßte die Passagiere an Bord.
The crew of the airplane welcomed the passengers on board.
die Crew
crew
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Meanings
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Usage tips
English loanword
'Crew' is a word from English that has been fully adopted into German. Interestingly, in German it has the feminine article 'die'.
EXAMPLE
Die gesamte Crew war sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit.
The entire crew was very friendly and helpful.
Context clue
The exact meaning of 'Crew' becomes clear from the context. In connection with 'Flugzeug' (airplane) or 'Schiff' (ship), it means the crew. With 'Film' (film) or 'Konzert' (concert), it means the production team. In a private setting, it refers to a group of friends.
EXAMPLE
Die Crew des Schiffes bereitete sich auf den Sturm vor.
The crew of the ship prepared for the storm.
Register: Youth language
Using 'Crew' for a group of friends is typical of colloquial and youth language. It emphasizes the group's sense of togetherness and shared activities.
EXAMPLE
Meine Crew und ich gehen am Samstag auf ein Festival.
My crew and I are going to a festival on Saturday.
Compare with
Crew vs Gruppe
group
'die Gruppe' and 'die Crew' can both refer to several people who belong together or do something together. 'Gruppe' is neutral and very general. You can use it for friends, course participants, travelers, or things. 'Crew' fits especially for ships, airplanes, or film, television, and music. Colloquially, it can also mean a fixed group of friends. The words can be confused because both describe a number of people. If you want to stay neutral, use 'Gruppe'. If it is about a team with shared work or about casual colloquial language, 'Crew' can sound more natural.
Crew
Die Crew des Films arbeitet heute bis spät in die Nacht.
The film crew is working late into the night today.
Gruppe
Zur Vorbereitung treffen wir uns morgen als Gruppe in der Bibliothek.
To prepare, we are meeting tomorrow as a group in the library.
In real life
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