die Gefolgschaft
Translation
following, entourage, retinue, followers
Examples
Der König reiste mit seiner Gefolgschaft.
The king travelled with his entourage.
Der Politiker hat eine treue Gefolgschaft.
The politician has a loyal following.
Grammar Patterns
((die)) Gefolgschaft ((of sb.)) the following/entourage (of sb.) The politician has a loyal following.
Similar Words
Synonyms: das Gefolge, die Anhängerschaft; Antonyms: die Gegnerschaft
Etymology
From 'folgen' (to follow) + the suffix '-schaft' (indicating a group or community). The 'Ge-' is also a collective prefix.
Memory Tips
Think of the people who 'follow' ('folgen') a leader, forming a group or 'ship' ('-schaft'), like 'fellowship'.