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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
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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 Unterstützung
support
'die Unterstützung' and 'die Gefolgschaft' both have to do with help or approval. 'Unterstützung' means the support itself: someone helps a person, a plan, or an idea. 'Gefolgschaft' more often means the group of people who follow and support a person or idea. The word often sounds political, historical, or somewhat more formal. Learners may confuse the words because supporters together can form a 'Gefolgschaft' (following). As a practical rule: the help is called 'Unterstützung'; the group of followers is called 'Gefolgschaft'.
Gefolgschaft
Der neue Kandidat hat in kurzer Zeit eine große Gefolgschaft gewonnen.
The new candidate gained a large following in a short time.
Unterstützung
Ich brauche die Unterstützung meines Teams, weil die Aufgabe sehr groß ist.
I need the support of my team because the task is very big.
In real life
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