solidarity / closing ranks
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solidarity
An expression for solidarity, close cooperation, and jointly standing up for a goal. The term is often used in political or social contexts.
Im Angesicht der Krise kam es zum Schulterschluss zwischen den sonst konkurrierenden Parteien.
In the face of the crisis, there was solidarity between the otherwise competing parties.
closing ranks
The literal meaning of standing close together so that people's shoulders touch, in order to demonstrate unity or a united front. This meaning is less common than the figurative one.
Die Demonstranten bildeten mit einem symbolischen Schulterschluss eine Menschenkette.
The demonstrators formed a human chain by symbolically closing ranks.
The word is made up of 'die Schulter' (shoulder) and 'der Schluss' (the end, the connection). Figuratively, it describes how people bring their shoulders together to form a united unit.
Die Spieler standen im Kreis, Schulter an Schulter.
The players stood in a circle, shoulder to shoulder.
In the figurative sense, 'der Schulterschluss' (solidarity / closing ranks) is often combined with certain verbs. Common phrases are 'den Schulterschluss suchen' (to seek solidarity), 'den Schulterschluss üben' (to practice solidarity), or 'einen Schulterschluss vollziehen' (to close ranks).
Die beiden Unternehmen vollzogen einen Schulterschluss, um das Projekt zu retten.
The two companies closed ranks in order to save the project.
The figurative meaning of 'Schulterschluss' (solidarity / closing ranks) is used especially often in political, economic, or social debates. It is about pooling forces for a common goal.
Die Opposition forderte einen Schulterschluss aller demokratischen Kräfte.
The opposition called for solidarity among all democratic forces.
You can recognize the literal meaning when it is about a physical action by people who are actually standing close together. The figurative meaning, by contrast, refers to abstract cooperation or agreement.
Die Fans zeigten den Schulterschluss auf der Tribüne.
The fans showed their unity by closing ranks in the stands.
alliance
Bündnis and Schulterschluss can both refer to cooperation between political actors pursuing a common goal. Bündnis tends to emphasize the agreed connection, while Schulterschluss emphasizes visible solidarity and demonstrative unity. For an existing alliance, Bündnis is the better choice; for making a united public appearance, Schulterschluss fits better.
Die beiden Parteien zeigten vor der Abstimmung einen Schulterschluss und traten gemeinsam auf.
The two parties closed ranks before the vote and appeared together.
Die beiden Parteien bildeten ein Bündnis, um die Reform im Parlament zu unterstützen.
The two parties formed an alliance to support the reform in parliament.
