begleiter

Begleiter is a German noun meaning companion, attendant, or escort. It describes a person who accompanies someone to an event or place, such as a guest’s companion, a security escort, or a friend who attends with another person. In a musical context, Begleiter refers to the accompaniment or the musician who accompanies a singer or soloist.

Etymology and grammar: Begleiter derives from the verb begleiten, meaning to accompany, with the agentive suffix -er. The feminine form is Begleiterin, and the plural can be Begleiter (for mixed or male groups) or Begleiterinnen for groups of women. In compounds, it appears in terms like Reisebegleiter (travel companion) or Begleitperson (companion person).

Usage and contexts: In everyday language, Begleiter is used when noting someone who accompanies another, for example on trips, to events, or in social settings. In formal or administrative language, Begleiter can refer to a designated accompanying person, such as a guest’s Begleitperson. In music, the term is common to describe the instrument or musician providing accompaniment, as in “Der Klavierbegleiter begleitet das Solo.”

Related terms: Begleitung (accompaniment), Begleitperson (companion person), Begleitmusik (accompaniment music). The concept emphasizes the act or role of accompanying rather than the primary participant, though the exact sense is clarified by context.