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.
brotherhood
Bruderschaft (brotherhood) and Burschenschaft (fraternity) both refer to a male community with shared rules and interests. Burschenschaft, however, specifically means a traditional student fraternity, while Bruderschaft is broader and can refer to other communities as well. When the meaning is a student fraternity, Burschenschaft is the more precise choice.
Viele Studenten traten während ihres Studiums einer Burschenschaft bei.
Many students joined a fraternity during their studies.
Die Männer der Bruderschaft trafen sich regelmäßig nach gemeinsamen Regeln.
The men in the brotherhood met regularly according to their shared rules.
