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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 Menge
amount / crowd
'die Menge' and 'die Menschenmasse' can both describe many people in one place. 'die Menge' is more neutral and fits many everyday situations. 'die Menschenmasse' sounds stronger: it means a very large number of people, often packed closely together and hard to take in at a glance. Learners may confuse the words because both refer to a large group. If you only want to say that many people are there, 'die Menge' is usually a better fit. If you want to especially emphasize the size and density, 'die Menschenmasse' is more precise.
Menschenmasse
Nach dem Spiel schob sich eine Menschenmasse durch die engen Straßen.
After the game, a huge crowd pushed its way through the narrow streets.
Menge
Auf dem Marktplatz hörte die Menge dem Sänger zu.
In the market square, the crowd listened to the singer.
In real life
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