troika
Loading your saved state.
troika
A group of three people, organizations, or countries that act together and exercise power. Today, the term is mostly used figuratively for a leadership body made up of three parties.
Während der Eurokrise verhandelte die sogenannte Troika aus EU-Kommission, EZB und IWF mit Griechenland.
During the euro crisis, the so-called troika made up of the European Commission, the ECB, and the IMF negotiated with Greece.
'Troika' comes from Russian (тройка) and literally means 'group of three' or 'triad'. This basic meaning helps you understand both uses of the word: a team of three horses or a leadership team made up of three parties.
Die politische Entscheidung wurde von einer Troika getroffen.
The political decision was made by a troika.
The context makes the meaning clear: if people are talking about politics, economics, or negotiations, it means the leadership group. If the topic is history, Russia, or horses, it means the team of horses.
Die Troika legte einen neuen Sparplan vor.
The troika presented a new austerity plan.
In the political meaning, 'Troika' is often used with the preposition 'aus' (made up of) to name the members. Common verbs are 'verhandeln' (to negotiate), 'entscheiden' (to decide), and 'bilden' (to form).
Die Regierungsparteien bildeten eine Troika, um die Krise zu bewältigen.
The governing parties formed a troika to deal with the crisis.
The figurative meaning of 'Troika' for a leadership body is especially common in the press and in political reporting. The term is used less often in everyday conversation.
In den Nachrichten wurde oft über die Forderungen der Troika berichtet.
The news often reported on the troika's demands.
team / hitch
'das Gespann' and 'die Troika' can both refer to a group that works together or pulls something together. With animals, a troika is a special kind of 'Gespann': three horses side by side, typically Russian, often in front of a sleigh or carriage. 'Gespann' is more general and can also consist of two or more draft animals. Figuratively, 'Gespann' can mean a close-knit team, while 'Troika' usually refers to a group of exactly three powerful people, organizations, or countries. Learners may confuse the words because both express groups. The important point is: 'Troika' almost always emphasizes the number three and sounds more specific.
In dem Bericht entscheidet eine Troika aus drei Ländern über den neuen Plan.
In the report, a troika of three countries decides on the new plan.
Vor dem Wagen wartet ein Gespann aus zwei kräftigen Pferden.
In front of the wagon, a team of two strong horses is waiting.