working group / club
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school club
At schools, a voluntary course offering in which students engage with a specific topic such as theater, sports, or programming. The abbreviation 'AG' is often used.
Jeden Donnerstagnachmittag gehe ich in die Theater-Arbeitsgemeinschaft.
Every Thursday afternoon I go to the theater club.
working group
A group of people, institutions, or companies that join together to work jointly on a specific project or goal.
Die Arbeitsgemeinschaft der öffentlich-rechtlichen Rundfunkanstalten der Bundesrepublik Deutschland (ARD) ist ein Verbund deutscher Sender.
The Arbeitsgemeinschaft der öffentlich-rechtlichen Rundfunkanstalten der Bundesrepublik Deutschland (ARD) is an association of German broadcasters.
The word is composed of 'Arbeit' (work), the linking -s, and 'Gemeinschaft' (community/association). So it literally describes a community that works together.
Unsere Firma ist Teil einer Arbeitsgemeinschaft für nachhaltiges Bauen.
Our company is part of a working group for sustainable construction.
In everyday language, the abbreviation 'AG' is almost always used. From context, you then have to understand whether a school club or a professional association is meant.
Welche AGs werden dieses Schuljahr angeboten?
Which clubs are being offered this school year?
In connection with school, people often say that someone is 'in einer AG' (in a club), 'eine AG leitet' (leads a club), or 'sich für eine AG anmeldet' (signs up for a club).
Er ist in der Schach-AG, weil er sein strategisches Denken verbessern will.
He is in the chess club because he wants to improve his strategic thinking.
club / association
A Verein is an independent organization of people with shared interests or goals. An Arbeitsgemeinschaft (working group), by contrast, mainly brings people or organizations together to work jointly on a specific project or goal. For a cooperation tied to a specific purpose, Arbeitsgemeinschaft is therefore the better choice.
Die Arbeitsgemeinschaft bringt mehrere Vereine zusammen, um ein Naturschutzprojekt zu planen.
The working group brings together several associations to plan a nature conservation project.
Der Verein bringt Menschen zusammen, die sich dauerhaft für den Naturschutz engagieren.
The association brings together people who are committed to nature conservation over the long term.
