Klüngel

German

Etymology

From Late Middle High German klüngel, klungel, from earlier klüngelīn, klungelīn, from Old High German clungelīn, a diminutive form of clunga (“ball”).

Pronunciation

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

• Audio:

  (file)

Noun

Klüngel m (genitive Klüngels, plural Klüngel)

1. (derogatory) clique
2. (by extension) cronyism (favoritism to friends or relatives)

   Synonym: Vetternwirtschaft

3. (botany) panicle, raceme

Further reading

• “Klüngel” in Duden online