How to Say “Clique” in German

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Clique
/ˈklɪkə/feminine
The German word for 'clique' is Clique.
Clique refers to a small, exclusive group of individuals, usually sharing a common characteristic. In informal everyday conversation among German speakers, the English loanword Clique is widely understood and commonly used.
Meaning: small, exclusive group of individuals, usually having some common characteristic (noun)

How does it change in a sentence?

The singular genitive form (meaning 'of the clique') is der Clique. For the accusative plural (meaning 'the cliques'), use den Cliques.

How do you pronounce it?

/ˈklɪkə/

Did you know?

  • Unlike in English where 'clique' often has a negative, exclusionary connotation, the German Clique is frequently used as a positive term for a loyal group of lifelong friends.
  • While Clique describes a social circle, the German word Klüngel describes a similar group specifically used for networking and political favors. This term originates from the city of Cologne.
  • German has a specific term, Haufen, which literally means 'pile' or 'heap', used as a slang alternative to Clique when describing a rowdy or disorganized group of friends.

Examples in context

  • In unserer Firma gibt es verschiedene Cliques, die sich während der Mittagspause treffen.
    In our company, there are different cliques that meet during lunch break.
  • Die Teilnehmer der Konferenz haben sich in Grüppchen zusammengefunden, um Ideen auszutauschen.
    The conference attendees formed cliques to exchange ideas.
  • Unsere Clique geht jedes Wochenende zusammen aus.
    Our clique goes out together every weekend.
  • Ich treffe mich später mit meinem Gang.
    I'm meeting up with my clique later.
  • Er gehört zu einer kleinen Clique.
    He belongs to a small clique.
  • Diese Clique ist sehr exklusiv.
    This clique is very exclusive.

Example conversation

Julia and Felix are talking about their social circle at a party.

  1. Julia

    Kennst du diese Clique dort drüben?
    Do you know that clique over there?
  2. Felix

    Nein, aber sie sieht sehr cool aus.
    No, but they look very cool.
  3. Julia

    Ich glaube, sie sind sehr geschlossen.
    I think they are very tight-knit.
  4. Felix

    Vielleicht sollten wir sie mal fragen.
    Maybe we should ask them sometime.

Sources

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Jasmine Florence
Jasmine FlorenceHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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