ranking / hierarchy
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ranking / hierarchy
A fixed order of people or things based on their importance, status, performance, or another criterion; a hierarchy or ranking.
In der Firma gibt es eine klare Rangfolge, wer welche Entscheidungen treffen darf.
In the company, there is a clear hierarchy for who is allowed to make which decisions.
The word is made up of 'Rang' (rank, position, status) and 'Folge' (order, sequence). So its meaning is literally an 'order by ranks.'
Die Rangfolge der Bewerber wurde nach ihrer Erfahrung erstellt.
The ranking of the applicants was created based on their experience.
Common verbs used with 'Rangfolge' (ranking / hierarchy) are 'eine Rangfolge festlegen' (to establish a ranking), 'eine Rangfolge bestimmen' (to determine a ranking), or 'sich an eine Rangfolge halten' (to follow a hierarchy).
Der Trainer legte die Rangfolge der Spieler für das nächste Spiel fest.
The coach established the ranking of the players for the next game.
To describe a position or movement within the hierarchy, the preposition 'in' is often used. Typical phrases are 'in der Rangfolge aufsteigen' (to move up in the ranking) or 'in der Rangfolge oben stehen' (to be high up in the ranking).
Durch ihre gute Arbeit ist sie in der Rangfolge schnell aufgestiegen.
Because of her good work, she quickly moved up in the ranking.
order / sequence
'die Reihenfolge' and 'die Rangfolge' both describe an ordered list. The difference lies in the reason for the order. 'Reihenfolge' is neutral: something comes first, then something else, for example in a process or in a queue. 'Rangfolge' means that the positions show an evaluation, such as by performance, importance, or status. Learners may confuse the words because a 'Rangfolge' is also a kind of 'Reihenfolge'. If it is only about 'before or after', 'Reihenfolge' fits. If place 1 is better or more important than place 2, 'Rangfolge' fits.
Nach dem Rennen steht die Rangfolge der Fahrer auf der großen Tafel.
After the race, the ranking of the drivers is shown on the large board.
In der Pause erklärt die Lehrerin die Reihenfolge der Spiele.
During the break, the teacher explains the order of the games.