Klan / clan
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Klan
A term for the Ku Klux Klan, a racist secret society in the USA known for its violence against Black people and other minorities.
Der Ku-Klux-Klan ist eine Organisation, die Hass und Gewalt verbreitet.
The Ku Klux Klan is an organization that spreads hate and violence.
The context makes the meaning clear. If it is about racism, the USA, and secret societies, the Ku Klux Klan is meant. If it is about Scotland, family history, and traditions, a Scottish extended family is meant.
Der Film handelte von der Geschichte eines schottischen Klans im 18. Jahrhundert.
The film was about the history of a Scottish clan in the 18th century.
In the meaning 'Ku-Klux-Klan' (Ku Klux Klan), the word has an extremely negative connotation. It is inseparably connected with racism, hate, and violence.
Der Klan ist für seine rassistischen Verbrechen bekannt.
The Klan is known for its racist crimes.
To avoid confusion with the racist organization, the spelling 'Clan' is now used almost exclusively for Scottish family groups.
Der Clan der MacDonalds ist einer der bekanntesten in Schottland.
The MacDonald clan is one of the best known in Scotland.
gender / sex
'das Geschlecht' and 'der Klan' can both have to do with origin, family, and common ancestors. 'das Geschlecht' more often means a family or lineage over many generations, often in historical texts or when talking about old noble families. 'der Klan' means a group of related families with a common origin and often a chief; this meaning is especially known from Scottish families, and the more common spelling for it is 'Clan'. The words can be confused because both can describe ancestry. However, 'Geschlecht' sounds more historical and is more general for a family line, while 'Klan' more strongly suggests a group that belongs together.
Der Klan traf sich jedes Jahr zu einem großen Fest in Schottland.
The clan met every year for a large festival in Scotland.
Das alte Geschlecht der Familie wurde in vielen Urkunden erwähnt.
The family's old lineage was mentioned in many documents.