court
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court
The entire group of people who surround and serve a monarch or prince, including nobles, advisers, servants, and officials.
Der französische König Ludwig XIV. war für seinen prunkvollen Hofstaat in Versailles bekannt.
The French king Louis XIV was known for his magnificent court at Versailles.
The word is made up of 'Hof' (in the sense of 'royal court') and 'Staat' (state). So it literally describes the 'state of the court,' meaning all the people who belong to it.
Der gesamte Hofstaat war bei der Krönungszeremonie anwesend.
The entire court was present at the coronation ceremony.
The meaning depends on the context. If it is about kings, princes, or a historical period, the literal meaning is intended. If people are talking about modern, influential people such as managers or stars, the ironic, figurative meaning is intended.
Am Hof von Versailles lebte ein riesiger Hofstaat.
A huge court lived at the court of Versailles.
In modern, figurative use, 'Hofstaat' (entourage) often has a slightly negative or ironic undertone. It describes a group of people who flatter an important person and depend on them.
Die Chefin umgibt sich mit einem Hofstaat von Mitarbeitern, die ihr nie widersprechen.
The boss surrounds herself with an entourage of employees who never contradict her.
yard / farm / court
'der Hof' and 'der Hofstaat' both belong to the world of kings, princes, or monarchs. In this meaning, 'der Hof' refers more to the whole sphere around the monarch: the residence, the family, the advisers, and life there. 'der Hofstaat' refers more specifically to the people who surround the monarch and serve him or her. The words can be confused because neither refers to a simple yard in front of a house. A practical tip: 'Hof' is the broader setting, while 'Hofstaat' is the group of people at court.
Der Hofstaat begleitete die Königin bei der Reise durch das Land.
The court accompanied the queen on her journey through the country.
Am Hof des Königs wurden wichtige Entscheidungen getroffen.
Important decisions were made at the king's court.