01
der Trabant
satellite / moon
In astronomy, a natural celestial body that orbits a planet; a moon.
example
Der Mond ist der einzige natürliche Trabant der Erde.
The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite.
der Trabant
satellite / Trabant
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Connecting basic idea
The different meanings of 'Trabant' share the basic idea of a companion or of something that orbits something else. A moon accompanies a planet, a follower accompanies a ruler, and the car was named after artificial satellites.
EXAMPLE
Die Erde hat nur einen Trabanten, den Mond.
Earth has only one satellite, the Moon.
Distinguishing the meanings
The context makes the meaning clear: in texts about astronomy or space travel, it refers to a celestial body. If the topic is the GDR or classic cars, it refers to the car. In historical texts, it can refer to a follower.
EXAMPLE
Mein Opa fährt heute noch stolz seinen alten Trabant.
My grandpa still proudly drives his old Trabant today.
Typical adjectives
To distinguish between a moon and a satellite, the adjectives 'natürlich' (natural) and 'künstlich' (artificial) are often used. 'Natürlicher Trabant' (natural satellite) is a synonym for moon.
EXAMPLE
Die ESA hat einen neuen künstlichen Trabanten ins All geschickt.
The ESA has sent a new artificial satellite into space.
Cultural context
This meaning refers to a famous car model from the GDR. The car is a strong symbol of the period before reunification and is often affectionately called 'Trabi'.
EXAMPLE
Als die Mauer fiel, fuhren Tausende mit ihrem Trabi in den Westen.
When the Wall fell, thousands drove west in their Trabi.
Outdated meaning
The meaning 'Gefolgsmann' (follower) or 'Handlanger' (henchman) is outdated today and is hardly used anymore. If you find it in old texts, it often has a negative or derogatory connotation.
EXAMPLE
Der König war von seinen ergebenen Trabanten umgeben.
The king was surrounded by his devoted henchmen.
Compare with
Trabant vs Anhänger
supporter / trailer / pendant
'der Anhänger' and 'der Trabant' can both refer to a person who follows or supports a powerful person. In this meaning, 'Anhänger' is the normal and easily understood word. 'Trabant' in this sense is outdated and often sounds derogatory, like a dependent follower. The words can be confused because 'Trabant' can have a similar older meaning. Today, however, 'Trabant' much more often refers to a celestial body, a satellite, or the East German car. For people, normal German almost always uses 'Anhänger'.
Trabant
Der Politiker erschien mit seinen Trabanten vor der Presse.
The politician appeared before the press with his henchmen.
Anhänger
Sie ist eine Anhängerin des Bürgermeisters und unterstützt seine Pläne.
She is a supporter of the mayor and backs his plans.
In real life
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