rabble / pack
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rabble
A strongly derogatory, colloquial term for a group of people who are considered inferior, antisocial, or criminal.
Die Anwohner beschwerten sich über das laute Pack, das nachts im Park feierte.
The residents complained about the loud rabble that was partying in the park at night.
pack
A group of animals that hunt or live together, especially wolves or dogs. The more common word for this, however, is 'Rudel' (pack).
Ein Pack hungriger Wölfe folgte der Spur des Elches.
A pack of hungry wolves followed the elk's trail.
pack / bundle
An outdated or regional term for a bundle, load, or package of goods.
Der Hausierer trug sein ganzes Pack auf dem Rücken von Dorf zu Dorf.
The peddler carried his entire pack on his back from village to village.
Although it looks like the English word 'pack', 'das Pack' in German is a very strong, negative term for a group of people. It is an insult and not a neutral description.
Die Polizei vertrieb das randalierende Pack aus dem Stadion.
The police drove the rioting rabble out of the stadium.
This word is a very degrading insult. It is used as a collective singular to dismiss an entire group of people as inferior.
Er bezeichnete die Demonstranten als „faules Pack“.
He referred to the demonstrators as 'faules Pack' (lazy rabble).
The meaning 'Bündel' (bundle) or 'Last' (load) is hardly used today. You find it almost only in historical texts or old stories.
Der Wandergeselle schulterte sein Pack und zog weiter.
The journeyman shouldered his pack and moved on.
gang / boards
Die Bande refers to a group primarily in terms of its members engaging in illegal or criminal activities together. Das Pack can also refer to a criminal group, but above all expresses strong contempt for these people. Bande is suitable for a factual description, while Pack is a deliberately insulting judgment.
Der wütende Ladenbesitzer nennt dieselben Täter ein kriminelles Pack.
The furious shopkeeper calls the same perpetrators a bunch of criminal rabble.
Die Polizei sucht eine Bande, die gemeinsam mehrere Geschäfte ausgeraubt hat.
The police are searching for a gang that robbed several stores together.
