intrigue / bend
der Rank, die Ränke
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plot / intrigue
A secretive, cunning scheme or intrigue; in this meaning, the word is used almost exclusively in the plural "Ränke" (plots / intrigues).
Der Minister fiel den Ränken seiner Gegner zum Opfer.
The minister fell victim to his opponents' intrigues.
bend / curve
A bend or curve, especially in a path or road; this meaning is mainly used in southern Germany.
Hinter dem nächsten Rank beginnt der steile Anstieg.
The steep climb begins just beyond the next bend.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Ränke |
| genitive | des Ranks |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Rank | die Ränke |
| accusative | den Rank | die Ränke |
| dative | dem Rank | den Ränken |
| genitive | des Ranks des Rankes | der Ränke |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
A fixed expression is "Ränke schmieden" (to plot / to devise intrigues). Here, "schmieden" (to forge) refers to secretly planning an intrigue.
Am Königshof wurden ständig neue Ränke geschmiedet.
New intrigues were constantly being devised at the royal court.
"Ränke gegen jemanden" (intrigues against someone) refers to the person the intrigue is intended to harm. The preposition "gegen" (against) is followed by the accusative.
Sie wusste nichts von den Ränken gegen ihren Bruder.
She knew nothing about the intrigues against her brother.
"Rank" belongs to elevated, often literary language in this meaning. You are especially likely to encounter the word in historical narratives and texts about political power struggles.
Der Roman erzählt von den Ränken am Hof eines jungen Königs.
The novel tells of the intrigues at the court of a young king.
