pyramid
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pyramid
A monumental structure with a usually square base and triangular side faces that meet at a point, especially known from ancient Egypt.
Die Pyramide von Gizeh ist das einzige erhaltene der sieben Weltwunder der Antike.
The Pyramid of Giza is the only surviving one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
You can recognize the meaning of 'Pyramide' (pyramid) from the context. If it is about history or Egypt, it refers to a structure. In mathematics, it is a geometric solid. In social or economic topics, it describes a hierarchical structure.
Die Archäologen entdeckten eine bisher unbekannte Pyramide.
The archaeologists discovered a previously unknown pyramid.
When referring to the structure, typical verbs are 'bauen' (to build), 'errichten' (to erect), and 'besichtigen' (to visit/tour). It is often connected with places like 'Ägypten' (Egypt) or 'Gizeh' (Giza).
Jedes Jahr besichtigen Millionen Touristen die Pyramiden in Ägypten.
Every year, millions of tourists visit the pyramids in Egypt.
In the figurative meaning, 'Pyramide' (pyramid) is often used as part of compound nouns. Examples are 'Alterspyramide' (age pyramid), 'Bevölkerungspyramide' (population pyramid), or 'Nahrungspyramide' (food pyramid).
Die Nahrungspyramide zeigt, wer wen in einem Ökosystem frisst.
The food pyramid shows who eats whom in an ecosystem.
The expression 'an der Spitze der Pyramide stehen' (to stand at the top of the pyramid) is often used metaphorically. It describes the most powerful position in a hierarchical structure, such as in a company.
Nur der Vorstandsvorsitzende steht an der Spitze der Pyramide.
Only the CEO stands at the top of the pyramid.
hierarchy
'Hierarchie' and 'Pyramide' can both describe an order with a top and a bottom. 'Hierarchie' directly refers to the ranking system, for example in a company, in a group, or with priorities. In this sense, 'Pyramide' is more of an image or a representation: there are many at the bottom and few at the top. The words can be confused because hierarchical structures are often drawn as a pyramid. If you are talking about the ranking system itself, 'Hierarchie' is more precise. If you mean the shape or model with a broad base and a small top, 'Pyramide' fits better.
Alina zeichnete eine Pyramide, um die Ebenen im Verein zu erklären.
Alina drew a pyramid to explain the levels in the club.
In der neuen Firma ist die Hierarchie klar: Jede Abteilung hat eine Leitung.
In the new company, the hierarchy is clear: every department has a manager.