die Gefolgschaft
following
A group of followers or supporters who loyally follow a person or an idea.
EXAMPLE
Die Influencerin hat eine riesige Gefolgschaft in den sozialen Medien.
The influencer has a huge following on social media.
die Gefolgschaft
following / retinue
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Meanings
die Gefolgschaft
retinue
In a historical context, the group of warriors and servants who were bound by loyalty to a feudal lord or leader.
EXAMPLE
Der mittelalterliche König zog mit seiner gesamten Gefolgschaft in die Schlacht.
The medieval king went into battle with his entire retinue.
jemandem die Gefolgschaft verweigern
to refuse allegiance
To refuse to continue supporting or obeying someone.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Skandal verweigerten ihm viele seiner früheren Partner die Gefolgschaft.
After the scandal, many of his former partners refused him their allegiance.
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'Gefolgschaft' (following/retinue) derives directly from the verb 'folgen' (to follow). The prefix 'Ge-' and the ending '-schaft' together form a noun that describes a group of people who follow someone.
EXAMPLE
Der Anführer war stolz auf seine treue Gefolgschaft.
The leader was proud of his loyal following.
Context clue
Context reveals whether the modern or historical meaning is intended. In connection with influencers or politicians, it means a modern following. With kings or knights, it refers to the historical meaning.
EXAMPLE
Die YouTuberin hat eine Gefolgschaft von über einer Million Menschen.
The YouTuber has a following of over a million people.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'jemandem die Gefolgschaft verweigern' (to refuse someone one's allegiance) is a fixed construction. The person one no longer follows is always in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Nach der kontroversen Entscheidung verweigerten ihm einige Minister die Gefolgschaft.
After the controversial decision, several ministers refused him their allegiance.
Compare with
Gefolgschaft vs Gefolge
entourage / aftermath
Gefolge and Gefolgschaft can both refer to a group around a leading person. Gefolge is the group that actually accompanies the person. Gefolgschaft consists of loyal followers or supporters and does not necessarily have to be traveling with them at that moment.
Gefolgschaft
Die Parteichefin dankte ihrer Gefolgschaft für die treue Unterstützung.
The party leader thanked her followers for their loyal support.
Gefolge
Die Parteichefin betrat mit ihrem Gefolge den Saal.
The party leader entered the hall with her entourage.
In real life
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