follower / also-ran
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follower
A person who joins a movement or group without acting out of deep conviction, often out of opportunism or pressure to conform. The term is usually negative, especially in a political context.
Er war kein überzeugter Anhänger der Ideologie, sondern nur ein Mitläufer, der keine Nachteile haben wollte.
He was not a convinced supporter of the ideology, but only a follower who did not want to suffer any disadvantages.
The word consists of the preposition 'mit' (with/along) and the verb 'laufen' (to run/walk). A 'Mitläufer' (follower/also-ran) is therefore literally someone who simply runs along with the others, without setting their own direction or having a strong conviction of their own.
Er wollte kein Mitläufer sein und entwickelte seine eigene Meinung.
He did not want to be a follower and developed his own opinion.
The noun 'der Mitläufer' (the follower/also-ran) is derived directly from the separable verb 'mitlaufen' (to run/walk along with others). This verb describes the action of joining a group and going along with it.
Viele Menschen sind bei der Demonstration einfach nur mitgelaufen.
Many people simply went along with the demonstration.
In a political or social context, 'Mitläufer' (follower) is a strongly negative term. It describes a person who takes part in something morally questionable out of fear, convenience, or opportunism.
In der Diktatur gab es viele Mitläufer, die das System stützten.
In the dictatorship, there were many followers who supported the system.
You can clearly recognize the sporting meaning from the context. If there is talk of a 'Rennen' (race), 'Wettbewerb' (competition), or 'Marathon' (marathon), it means a participant with no chance of winning. In all other cases, the negative social meaning is usually intended.
Ich laufe den Marathon nur zum Spaß mit, ich bin nur ein Mitläufer.
I’m only running the marathon for fun; I’m just an also-ran.
supporter / trailer / pendant
'der Anhänger' and 'der Mitläufer' can both refer to people who belong to a group, movement, or direction. The important difference lies in their attitude. An 'Anhänger' supports something because they think it is good or believe in it. This can sound neutral or positive. A 'Mitläufer' goes along with a group without strong personal conviction. The word usually sounds negative. They can be confused because both can follow a group. If someone is truly convinced, you are more likely to say 'Anhänger'. If someone is only joining in because others are doing it, you are more likely to say 'Mitläufer'.
Tom wollte kein Mitläufer sein und sagte in der Gruppe seine eigene Meinung.
Tom did not want to be a follower and stated his own opinion in the group.
Als Anhänger der Umweltschutzbewegung fährt Paul meistens mit dem Fahrrad.
As a supporter of the environmental movement, Paul usually rides his bike.