01
die Nation
nation
A large community of people with a shared language, culture, history, and origin, often forming a state.
example
Die Kurden sind eine Nation ohne eigenen Staat.
The Kurds are a nation without their own state.
die Nation
nation
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Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Word family
Many important words are derived from 'Nation' (nation), and you can recognize them easily. These include the adjective 'national' (national), the opposite 'international' (international), and the noun 'die Nationalität' (nationality).
EXAMPLE
Die Fußball-Nationalmannschaft spielt heute Abend.
The national football team is playing tonight.
Register and style
The word 'Nation' (nation) is used mainly in political, historical, and journalistic texts. It has a rather formal and official character.
EXAMPLE
Der Präsident hielt eine Rede an die Nation.
The president gave an address to the nation.
Context clue
The meaning 'Volksgruppe' (ethnic group/people) (m01) often refers to a cultural community that does not necessarily have its own state. The meaning 'Staatsvolk' (citizenry of a state) (m02) is usually tied to a specific country and its citizens.
EXAMPLE
Die Sorben sind als nationale Minderheit in Deutschland anerkannt.
The Sorbs are recognized as a national minority in Germany.
Typical collocation
The phrase 'die ganze Nation' (the whole nation) is often used to express that all the citizens of a country are emotionally involved in an event, for example at major sporting events.
EXAMPLE
Als die Mannschaft das Tor schoss, jubelte die ganze Nation.
When the team scored the goal, the whole nation cheered.
Compare with
Nation vs Land
country / countryside / land
'das Land' and 'die Nation' can both mean a large political or human community. In everyday language, 'Land' is the normal word for a country with territory and a government. 'Nation' puts more emphasis on the people, their shared history, language, or culture. Sometimes 'Nation' also means the citizens of a state as a whole. The words can be confusing because many nations also have their own country. As a practical rule: for travel, origin, and geography, you usually say 'Land'; for community, identity, or formal political statements, 'Nation' fits better.
Nation
Nach dem Finale feierte die ganze Nation den Sieg der Mannschaft.
After the final, the whole nation celebrated the team's victory.
Land
Sie möchte später in einem anderen Land studieren.
She would like to study in another country later.
In real life
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