der Rang
rank
A position or level within a hierarchy, for example in the military, at work, or in society.
EXAMPLE
Er wurde für seine Verdienste in einen höheren Rang befördert.
He was promoted to a higher rank for his services.
der Rang
rank
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Meanings
der Rang
balcony / tier
A raised, often semicircular level with seats for spectators in a theater or concert hall.
EXAMPLE
Von unserem Platz im ersten Rang hatten wir eine fantastische Sicht auf die Bühne.
From our seat in the first balcony, we had a fantastic view of the stage.
der Rang
standing / caliber
The importance, value, or high quality of a person or thing.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist eine Wissenschaftlerin von internationalem Rang.
She is a scientist of international standing.
jemandem den Rang ablaufen
to outstrip someone
To surpass someone in popularity, success, or performance.
EXAMPLE
Das neue Smartphone läuft seinem Vorgänger bald den Rang ab.
The new smartphone will soon outstrip its predecessor.
Usage tips
Hierarchy and military
In this meaning, you often find 'Rang' (rank) in the context of the military, police, nobility, or hierarchies in companies. Typical verbs are 'einen Rang bekleiden' (to hold a rank) or 'im Rang aufsteigen' (to rise in rank).
EXAMPLE
Nach seiner Ausbildung erhielt er den Rang eines Leutnants.
After his training, he received the rank of lieutenant.
In the theater
In connection with theaters, operas, or concert halls, 'Rang' (balcony/tier) refers to a level with seats. An ordinal number is usually used, e.g. 'im ersten Rang' (in the first balcony).
EXAMPLE
Unsere Plätze sind im zweiten Rang, Reihe drei.
Our seats are in the second balcony, row three.
Fixed phrase with 'von'
To express high quality or importance, the fixed phrase 'von ... Rang' is used. Between 'von' and 'Rang', there is often an adjective such as 'international' or 'hohem'.
EXAMPLE
Das Museum besitzt eine Sammlung von Weltrang.
The museum has a world-class collection.
Dative construction
In the idiom 'jemandem den Rang ablaufen' (to outstrip someone), the person or thing being surpassed is always in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Die junge Sportlerin läuft der erfahrenen Meisterin langsam den Rang ab.
The young athlete is slowly outstripping the experienced champion.
Compare with
Rang vs Platz
place / space
Der Platz and der Rang can both express a position in an order. Platz specifically names the position achieved, such as first or third place; Rang tends to emphasize the level within a hierarchy. For competition results, Platz is usually the natural choice; Rang sounds more general or formal.
Rang
Mara erreichte in der Rangliste den dritten Rang.
Mara achieved third place in the rankings.
Platz
Mara belegte bei dem Rennen den dritten Platz.
Mara came in third in the race.
In real life
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