Genosse
/ɡəˈnɔsə/
The English word comrade is translated into German as Genosse.
Genosse is used to refer to a mate, companion or associate. In modern German, it is primarily used as a political term, specifically within socialist or communist contexts.
Meaning: mate, companion, or associate (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word contains the prefix ge-, which implies a sense of being together or sharing a commonality.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form is Genossin, and the plural form is Genossen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈnɔsə/
Did you know?
- While Genosse is the political 'comrade', Germans use the word Kamerad for military or sports comrades, as the two are not interchangeable.
- The word Genosse is etymologically linked to the verb genießen, which means 'to enjoy'. This suggests that a comrade was originally someone with whom you shared enjoyment or pleasure.
- Because of its heavy association with the former East Germany (GDR), using Genosse today can carry a heavy weight of irony or even sarcasm in certain social circles.
Examples in context
- Lerne vom Genossen Lei Feng.Learn from Comrade Lei Feng.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use Genosse when referring to a specific person.Tatoeba #1456416 by Esperantostern, translation #4895469 by Objectivesea
- Genosse Tom hat sich in Genossin Maria verliebt.Comrade Tom fell in love with comrade Mary.This sentence shows how Genosse can be used to describe a male comrade in a relationship with a female comrade.Tatoeba #2836033 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2828435 by Hybrid
- „Sorge dich nicht, Genosse, denn ich habe einen Plan.“ – „Ebendas macht mir ja Sorgen.“"Worry not, comrade, for I have a plan!" – "That worries me…"This sentence demonstrates how Genosse is used in a conversational context.Tatoeba #11987375 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2915913 by Ooneykcall
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two political activists are discussing their strategy for a meeting.
- MaximilianHör zu, Genosse, wir müssen jetzt handeln.Listen, comrade, we have to act now.
- HannahIch stimme dir zu, Maximilian.I agree with you, Maximilian.
- MaximilianHast du die anderen Genossen schon informiert?Have you already informed the other comrades?
- HannahJa, Hannah hat alles bereits organisiert.Yes, Hannah has already organized everything.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Genosse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Genosse, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
