die Truppe
troops
A military unit, often used in the plural to refer to soldiers.
EXAMPLE
Die Truppen wurden zur Sicherung der Grenze eingesetzt.
The troops were deployed to secure the border.
die Truppe
troop / troupe
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Meanings
die Truppe
troupe
A group of artists who perform together, for example in theater, circus, or ballet.
EXAMPLE
Die Theatertruppe probt für die Premiere ihres neuen Stücks.
The theater troupe is rehearsing for the premiere of its new play.
die Truppe
group / crew
Informal term for a group of people who belong together or do something together; a team or clique.
EXAMPLE
Am Wochenende fahre ich mit meiner alten Truppe zum Zelten.
At the weekend, I'm going camping with my old crew.
Usage tips
Context clue: plural
If you read or hear the word in the plural — 'die Truppen' (the troops) — it almost always has the military meaning. In the singular, 'die Truppe' can have all meanings.
EXAMPLE
Die ausländischen Truppen haben das Land verlassen.
The foreign troops have left the country.
Register and style
Using 'Truppe' for a group of friends is very informal and typical of spoken language. It expresses a relaxed, friendly sense of belonging.
EXAMPLE
Am Samstag treffe ich mich mit meiner alten Truppe aus der Schulzeit.
On Saturday, I'm meeting up with my old crew from school.
Typical collocations
In an artistic context, 'Truppe' (troupe) is often used as part of compound words to specify the type of group. Typical examples are 'Theatertruppe' (theater troupe), 'Tanztruppe' (dance troupe), or 'Zirkustruppe' (circus troupe).
EXAMPLE
Die Tanztruppe tourt gerade durch ganz Deutschland.
The dance troupe is currently touring all over Germany.
Compare with
Truppe vs Gruppe
group
Gruppe is the neutral term for several people who belong together. Truppe can informally refer to the same people, but it often places more emphasis on their cohesion or on appearing together. Use Gruppe for an objective description, and Truppe for a group that sounds more familiar and close-knit.
Truppe
Die ganze Truppe von Freunden wartet schon vor dem Kino.
The whole crew of friends has already been waiting outside the cinema.
Gruppe
Eine Gruppe von Freunden wartet vor dem Kino.
A group of friends is waiting outside the cinema.
In real life
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