alliance
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alliance
A formal union or alliance between states, organizations, or groups in order to pursue common political, military, or economic goals.
Die beiden Länder schlossen ein militärisches Bündnis zur gegenseitigen Verteidigung.
The two countries formed a military alliance for mutual defense.
The word 'Bündnis' (alliance) belongs to the word family of 'binden' (to bind). So a 'Bündnis' is something that 'bindet' (binds) two or more parties together and creates a firm connection.
Durch den Vertrag sind die beiden Firmen ein Bündnis eingegangen.
Through the contract, the two companies entered into an alliance.
A 'Bündnis' (alliance) is often combined with the verbs 'schließen' (to conclude/form), 'eingehen' (to enter into), or 'schmieden' (to forge). All of these verbs describe the act of founding an alliance.
Die beiden Parteien haben ein Bündnis für die nächste Wahl geschlossen.
The two parties formed an alliance for the next election.
The partners in a 'Bündnis' (alliance) are typically linked with the prepositions 'zwischen' (between, dative) or 'mit' (with, dative).
Es gab ein geheimes Bündnis zwischen den drei Königreichen.
There was a secret alliance between the three kingdoms.
When 'Bündnis' (bond/alliance) is used for a relationship between people, it describes a particularly deep and reliable connection. A very common phrase in this context is 'ein Bündnis fürs Leben' (a bond for life).
Ihre gemeinsame Erfahrung schuf ein Bündnis zwischen ihnen, das ein Leben lang hielt.
Their shared experience created a bond between them that lasted a lifetime.
connection / association
'die Verbindung' and 'das Bündnis' can both describe a relationship between people, groups, or organizations. 'Verbindung' is more general: it can simply be a contact or relationship, including in a professional context. 'Bündnis' is narrower and stronger. It usually means that several sides deliberately work together and have a shared goal. With states or organizations, 'Bündnis' often sounds more formal. Learners may confuse the words because every 'Bündnis' is a kind of 'Verbindung'. But not every 'Verbindung' is automatically a 'Bündnis'.
Mehrere Gruppen planen ein Bündnis für den Schutz des Stadtparks.
Several groups are planning an alliance to protect the city park.
Durch ihre alte Verbindung zur Firma bekam Anna schnell einen Gesprächstermin.
Through her old connection to the company, Anna quickly got an appointment for a meeting.