entourage / aftermath
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entourage
The group of people who accompany a high-ranking or famous person, for example a king, a president, or a star.
Die Königin erschien mit ihrem gesamten Gefolge zur Zeremonie.
The queen appeared at the ceremony with her entire entourage.
aftermath
An outdated or elevated term for the consequences or aftereffects of an event.
Die Wirtschaftskrise hatte ein langes Gefolge von Arbeitslosigkeit und Armut.
The economic crisis had a long aftermath of unemployment and poverty.
The word 'Gefolge' (entourage/aftermath) is derived from the verb 'folgen' (to follow). The prefix 'Ge-' forms a collective noun here. So 'das Gefolge' is literally the group of people who follow someone.
Der Popstar reist nie ohne sein großes Gefolge aus Assistenten und Bodyguards.
The pop star never travels without his large entourage of assistants and bodyguards.
You can tell from context whether people or consequences are meant. If 'Gefolge' (entourage/aftermath) refers to a person, it is about that person's companions. If it appears in connection with an event, e.g. 'im Gefolge der Krise' (in the aftermath of the crisis), the aftereffects are meant.
Im Gefolge des Ministers reisten auch mehrere Journalisten.
Several journalists also traveled in the minister's entourage.
This word is often used with the preposition 'im' to express belonging to a group. Typical verbs are 'ankommen' (to arrive), 'erscheinen' (to appear), or 'reisen' (to travel).
Der Präsident traf mit seinem Gefolge am Flughafen ein.
The president arrived at the airport with his entourage.
This meaning is very elevated and is used almost only in written language to describe the long-term and often negative consequences of a major event.
Die Krankheit zog ein langes Gefolge von Leiden nach sich.
The illness brought a long aftermath of suffering with it.
consequence / consistency
Konsequenz is the neutral term used today for a consequence or effect. Gefolge can also refer to the aftereffects of an event, but in this meaning it sounds elevated or old-fashioned. In everyday language, Konsequenz is therefore usually the better choice.
Im Gefolge des Sturms kam es zu einem langen Stromausfall.
In the aftermath of the storm, there was a prolonged power outage.
Eine schwere Konsequenz des Sturms war der lange Stromausfall.
A serious consequence of the storm was the prolonged power outage.
