German

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Etymology

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From Late Middle High German klüngel, klungel, from earlier klüngelīn, klungelīn, from Old High German clungelīn, a diminutive form of clunga (ball), ultimately from the root of Kolben (piston).

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈklʏŋl̩/
  • Hyphenation: Klün‧gel
  • Audio:(file)

Noun

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Klüngel m (strong, genitive Klüngels, plural Klüngel)

  1. (derogatory) clique
    Synonyms: Seilschaft, Koterie
  2. (by extension) cronyism (favoritism to friends or relatives)
    Synonym: Vetternwirtschaft
  3. (botany) panicle, raceme

Declension

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Further reading

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  • Klüngel” in Duden online
  • Klüngel” in Digitales Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache