folge

Folge is a German noun with several related meanings. The primary senses are: a sequence or succession in mathematics or logic; an episode or installment of a serialized work such as a TV show, radio program, or comic; and a consequence or result of a preceding action. The word comes from the verb folgen, meaning to follow, and carries the idea of following in order or as a result.

In media usage, Folge refers to an individual part of a serialized work. It is used for episodes of television series, radio programs, podcasts, and other ongoing formats. For example, die erste Folge means the first episode. The term Staffel is used for a season, while Folge denotes a single installment within that season.

In mathematics and related disciplines, Folge denotes a sequence: a1, a2, a3, … where each term is defined in relation to its position in the order. This sense is distinct from Reihe, which denotes a series (the sum of a sequence). In analysis and topology, terms such as konvergierende Folge (convergent sequence) and divergent Folge are common.

Other uses include the sense of consequence or result. In phrases such as die Folge davon or als Folge davon, Folge denotes the outcome produced by a prior action. The noun Nachfolge means succession or successor, referring to the person who follows in a role or office.

Overall, Folge covers ordering and continuation in both language and mathematics, with practical distinctions between episode, sequence, and consequence depending on context.