01
die Menschenmenge
crowd
A large, hard-to-overview gathering of people in one place.
example
Nach dem Konzert strömte eine riesige Menschenmenge aus dem Stadion.
After the concert, a huge crowd streamed out of the stadium.
die Menschenmenge
crowd
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is made up of 'Menschen' (plural of 'Mensch', person/human being) and 'Menge' (amount/crowd). So it literally means a 'Menge von Menschen' (crowd of people).
EXAMPLE
Eine dichte Menschenmenge wartete vor dem Eingang.
A dense crowd waited in front of the entrance.
Verb in the singular
Although 'die Menschenmenge' (the crowd) consists of many people, the noun is grammatically singular. The verb in the sentence therefore agrees with the singular and is in the third person.
EXAMPLE
Die Menschenmenge auf dem Platz wird immer größer.
The crowd in the square is getting bigger and bigger.
Movement and position
To describe movement through a crowd, you use the preposition 'durch' (+ accusative). To describe position within the crowd, you use 'in' (+ dative).
EXAMPLE
Er kämpfte sich durch die Menschenmenge zum Ausgang.
He fought his way through the crowd to the exit.
Compare with
Menschenmenge vs Menge
amount / crowd
'die Menge' and 'die Menschenmenge' can both mean a large group of people in one place. 'die Menschenmenge' is more specific because it is clear that it refers to people. In this sense, 'die Menge' can also mean people, but the word has other meanings too, for example 'eine Menge Wasser' (a large amount of water) or 'eine Menge Geld' (a lot of money). If the context is clear, you can often say 'die Menge' for people. If you want to avoid misunderstandings, 'die Menschenmenge' is more precise.
Menschenmenge
Vor dem Bahnhof wartete eine große Menschenmenge auf den Bus.
A large crowd was waiting for the bus in front of the station.
Menge
Nach dem Konzert bewegte sich die Menge langsam zum Ausgang.
After the concert, the crowd moved slowly toward the exit.
In real life
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