association
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association
A mental connection between concepts, ideas, or perceptions that arises spontaneously in the mind.
Der Geruch von frisch gebackenem Brot weckt bei mir die Assoziation von Heimat und Kindheit.
The smell of freshly baked bread awakens in me associations with home and childhood.
association
A union of people, companies, or organizations formed to pursue common goals; an association or organization.
Die Europäische Freihandelsassoziation ist ein wichtiger Wirtschaftsverbund.
The European Free Trade Association is an important economic alliance.
The ending '-tion' indicates a noun that is often derived from a verb. In this case, it is the verb 'assoziieren' (to mentally connect something).
Ich assoziiere den Sommer immer mit langen Abenden am See.
I always associate summer with long evenings by the lake.
You can easily recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about thoughts, memories, or feelings, it means the mental connection. If it is about companies, countries, or organizations, it means the union or association.
Das Wort „Freiheit“ hat für jeden Menschen andere Assoziationen.
The word 'Freiheit' (freedom) has different associations for every person.
When referring to a mental connection, 'Assoziation' (association) is often used with verbs such as 'wecken' (to awaken/evoke), 'haben' (to have), or 'herstellen' (to establish).
Diese Musik weckt bei mir viele positive Assoziationen.
This music evokes many positive associations for me.
In the meaning 'Zusammenschluss' (union/association), 'Assoziation' (association) is a formal term used mainly in economic, political, or legal contexts.
Die Assoziation der europäischen Automobilhersteller hat neue Zahlen veröffentlicht.
The association of European automobile manufacturers has published new figures.
club / association
Verein and Assoziation can both refer to an association with shared goals. Verein usually fits a specific organization of people with shared interests. Assoziation is broader and more formal and can also refer to an association of several companies or organizations.
Mehrere Umweltorganisationen gründeten eine internationale Assoziation für den Schutz von Stadtparks.
Several environmental organizations founded an international association to protect city parks.
Die Anwohner gründeten einen Verein für den Schutz des Stadtparks.
The residents founded an association to protect the city park.
