die Menschenmasse
crowd
A large, dense gathering of many people in one place.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Konzert strömte eine riesige Menschenmasse aus dem Stadion.
After the concert, a huge crowd streamed out of the stadium.
die Menschenmasse
crowd
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound structure
The word is made up of 'Menschen' (people, plural of 'der Mensch') and 'die Masse' (mass/crowd). So it literally describes a mass of people.
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Eingang hatte sich eine dichte Menschenmasse gebildet.
A dense crowd had formed in front of the entrance.
Typical verbs
Crowds can 'sich ansammeln' (gather), 'sich auflösen' (disperse), or 'strömen' (stream/flow) somewhere. A person can 'sich durch eine Menschenmasse kämpfen' (fight one's way through a crowd) or 'in einer Menschenmasse untergehen' (get lost in a crowd).
EXAMPLE
Er versuchte, sich einen Weg durch die Menschenmasse zu bahnen.
He tried to make his way through the crowd.
Usage context
This word is often used to emphasize the great density and confusing nature of a group. It is often found in descriptions of concerts, demonstrations, or large events.
EXAMPLE
Bei der Demonstration bewegte sich eine riesige Menschenmasse durch die Innenstadt.
At the demonstration, a huge crowd moved through the city center.
Compare with
Menschenmasse vs Menschenmenge
crowd
Menschenmenge is the more neutral term for a large, hard-to-overlook gathering. Menschenmasse places more emphasis on the fact that very many people are standing close together and appear like a largely undifferentiated mass. Menschenmasse is therefore more suitable when the crowd is especially dense.
Menschenmasse
Vor der Bühne drängte sich eine dichte Menschenmasse gegen die Absperrung.
A dense crowd pressed against the barrier in front of the stage.
Menschenmenge
Vor der Bühne wartete eine große Menschenmenge auf den Beginn des Konzerts.
A large crowd was waiting in front of the stage for the concert to begin.
In real life
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