squad / group
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squad
A group of athletes, especially in gymnastics, who train together or take part in a competition.
Die deutsche Riege hat bei der Turn-Weltmeisterschaft eine Medaille gewonnen.
The German squad won a medal at the World Gymnastics Championships.
You can easily tell from context whether it means a group of athletes or a group of people in the figurative sense. If the sentences talk about gymnastics or competitions, the sports meaning is intended. In texts about politics, art, or business, the figurative meaning is intended.
Die japanische Riege bereitete sich auf ihren Auftritt am Barren vor.
The Japanese squad prepared for its performance on the parallel bars.
In a sports context, 'Riege' traditionally refers to a group of gymnasts. For example, people say 'die Riege am Reck' (the group on the horizontal bar) or 'die olympische Riege' (the Olympic squad).
Die nächste Riege ist bereit für ihre Übung am Boden.
The next squad is ready for its floor exercise.
In the figurative meaning, 'Riege' is often used in a slightly detached or journalistic way. Typical phrases are 'eine Riege von Anwälten' (a group of lawyers), 'die Riege der Nachwuchskünstler' (the set of emerging artists), or 'die alte Riege der Politiker' (the old guard of politicians).
Das Festival präsentierte eine beeindruckende Riege internationaler Filmemacher.
The festival presented an impressive group of international filmmakers.
The expression 'zur ersten Riege gehören' means to belong to the elite or to be among the best in a particular field. It expresses high status or quality.
Dieses Unternehmen gehört zur ersten Riege der deutschen Automobilzulieferer.
This company belongs to the top tier of German automotive suppliers.
group
'Gruppe' and 'Riege' can both refer to several people who belong together. 'Gruppe' is the normal and very general word. It fits in almost all everyday situations. 'Riege' is more specific: in sports, especially gymnastics, it means a group of athletes. Figuratively, 'Riege' is also used for a particular set of people, for example politicians or managers. Learners may confuse the words because both refer to a group of people. But if it is not about sports or a special selection of people, 'Gruppe' is usually more natural.
Die junge Riege der Turnerinnen trainiert jeden Abend in der Halle.
The young squad of female gymnasts trains in the hall every evening.
Im Kurs arbeiten wir heute in einer kleinen Gruppe.
In the course, we are working in a small group today.