Gedränge

Gedränge is a German noun meaning crowding, throng, or crush. It describes a situation in which people or objects are pressed together, producing a dense, often noisy mass. The term can refer to the crowd itself or to the act of pressing and jostling within such a crowd, as in das Gedränge der Menge or im Gedränge der U-Bahn.

Etymology and usage context: Gedränge is formed from the verb drängen (to push, press) with the prefix ge-, yielding a noun that denotes the result or experience of pushing together. It is common in everyday language and in descriptive writing to convey a sense of congestion or bustle.

In usage, Gedränge is applicable to literal situations—markets, stations, concerts, or any place where many people are packed close together—as well as to figurative senses, such as a busy, competitive environment or social pressure. Related terms include Ansturm (a rush or assault), Gedrängel (jostling or pushing among people), and Drängeln (the act of pushing or urging forward).

Examples: In the station hall, das Gedränge der Menge uitleg, and people struggled to reach the exits. The festival operated under heavy Gedränge, contributing to a sense of urgency and bustle.

See also: Ansturm; Gedrängel; Drängeln; bustle.