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.
entourage
A group of people who constantly surround an important or influential person, flatter them, and depend on them. This use is figurative and often meant ironically.
Der Firmenchef reist nie ohne seinen kleinen Hofstaat aus Assistenten und Beratern.
The company boss never travels without his small entourage of assistants and advisers.
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.
entourage / aftermath
Gefolge and Hofstaat can both refer to the people around an important person. Gefolge primarily emphasizes accompaniment or followers, while Hofstaat specifically refers to the serving and dependent circle of a monarch or prince. Hofstaat is appropriate for a ruler, while Gefolge is used for a general entourage.
Der König beriet sich am Abend mit seinem Hofstaat.
The king consulted with his court that evening.
Der König reiste mit seinem Gefolge durch das Land.
The king traveled through the country with his entourage.
