fraternity
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fraternity
A traditional, often conservative-nationalist type of student fraternity in the German-speaking world, whose members are exclusively men.
Er ist während seines Studiums in Heidelberg einer schlagenden Burschenschaft beigetreten.
During his studies in Heidelberg, he joined a dueling fraternity.
The word is made up of 'Bursche' (lad/young man) and the suffix '-schaft' (-ship/-hood, indicating a group or community). 'Der Bursche' is an old word for a young man, and '-schaft' denotes a community. A 'Burschenschaft' (fraternity) is therefore literally a 'community of young men'.
Die Endung „-schaft“ bildet Kollektive, wie bei „Mannschaft“ oder „Gesellschaft“.
The suffix '-schaft' forms collectives, as in 'Mannschaft' (team) or 'Gesellschaft' (society).
A 'Burschenschaft' (fraternity) is not simply a student club. It is a very traditional form of student association with its own rules, rituals, and often a conservative political orientation. The word has a specific cultural meaning.
Viele Burschenschaften pflegen das studentische Fechten.
Many fraternities maintain the tradition of student fencing.
Common phrases are 'einer Burschenschaft beitreten' (to join a fraternity) or 'Mitglied in einer Burschenschaft sein' (to be a member of a fraternity). Note the preposition 'in' with the dative when talking about membership.
Sein Vater war während des Studiums auch in einer Burschenschaft.
His father was also in a fraternity during his studies.
connection / association
'die Verbindung' and 'die Burschenschaft' can both refer to an organized group of students at a university. 'Studentenverbindung' is the more general term: there are different types of such groups, each with their own rules and traditions. A 'Burschenschaft' is a specific traditional form of this, usually for men only and often with a conservative or nationalist orientation. The words can be confused because a 'Burschenschaft' is a type of 'Verbindung'. When speaking generally about such groups, 'Verbindung' fits better. When this specific form is meant, 'Burschenschaft' is more precise.
Die Burschenschaft nimmt nur männliche Studenten auf.
The fraternity only admits male students.
An der Universität gibt es eine alte Verbindung mit vielen Traditionen.
There is an old student association at the university with many traditions.