die Dynastie
dynasty
A sequence of rulers who come from the same family or lineage.
EXAMPLE
Die Ming-Dynastie herrschte mehrere Jahrhunderte über China.
The Ming dynasty ruled China for several centuries.
die Dynastie
dynasty
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Meanings
die Dynastie
dynasty
In a figurative sense, a family that has great influence over a long period in a particular area such as business, politics, or sports.
EXAMPLE
Die Familie gilt als eine der mächtigsten Wirtschafts-Dynastien des Landes.
The family is considered one of the country's most powerful business dynasties.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about history, kings, or emperors, it refers to a ruling family. If people are talking about business, politics, or sports in the present day, it refers to an influential family.
EXAMPLE
Die Habsburger waren eine der mächtigsten Dynastien in Europa.
The Habsburgs were one of the most powerful dynasties in Europe.
Typical collocations
In a historical context, 'Dynastie' (dynasty) is often used with verbs such as 'herrschen' (to rule) or 'regieren' (to govern/rule), and in connection with countries or eras.
EXAMPLE
Diese Dynastie herrschte über ein riesiges Reich.
This dynasty ruled over a huge empire.
Compound words
In the figurative meaning, 'Dynastie' (dynasty) is often used as the second part of compounds to clarify the sphere of influence, e.g. 'Wirtschaftsdynastie' (business dynasty), 'Unternehmerdynastie' (entrepreneurial dynasty), or 'Politikerdynastie' (political dynasty).
EXAMPLE
Er ist der Erbe einer bekannten Hotel-Dynastie.
He is the heir to a well-known hotel dynasty.
Compare with
Dynastie vs Geschlecht
gender / sex
Geschlecht emphasizes the shared line of descent within a ruling family. Dynastie, by contrast, refers especially to the succession of rulers from that family and their long-lasting power. Use Geschlecht for the family as a lineage, and Dynastie for its rule over several generations.
Dynastie
Die Dynastie regierte das Land über viele Generationen hinweg.
The dynasty ruled the country for many generations.
Geschlecht
Das Geschlecht der Königin bestand aus einer weit verzweigten alten Familie.
The queen's lineage traced back to a large, old, widely branching family.
In real life
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