Kreis

Etymology
From, from , from , from. Compare the semantic development of the descendants of (eg., ),  (eg. , ).

Noun

 * 1) circle
 * 2)  range, scope
 * 3) a type of territorial administrative division, district

Usage notes

 * When used in the sense of a territorial subdivision, Kreis is usually translated as district. However, in some contexts it may be translated as circle, e.g. the Imperial Circles (Reichskreise) of the Holy Roman Empire.