nonprofit / charitable
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nonprofit / charitable
Serving the public good and not aimed at profit. Organizations with this status often receive tax benefits.
Der Verein ist als gemeinnützig anerkannt und finanziert sich durch Spenden.
The association is recognized as nonprofit and is financed through donations.
The word is made up of 'gemein' and 'nützig' (useful). Here, 'gemein' is derived from 'Gemeinschaft' (community) and means 'general' or 'public'. So 'gemeinnützig' (nonprofit/charitable) literally means 'useful for the general public'.
Die Organisation arbeitet für gemeinnützige Zwecke.
The organization works for charitable purposes.
'Gemeinnützig' (nonprofit/charitable) typically describes organizations or activities that are not aimed at making a profit. Common combinations are: ein gemeinnütziger Verein (a nonprofit association), eine gemeinnützige Stiftung (a charitable foundation), ein gemeinnütziges Projekt (a nonprofit project), or gemeinnützige Arbeit (charitable work/community service).
Viele Studenten engagieren sich in einem gemeinnützigen Projekt.
Many students get involved in a nonprofit project.
In official and legal contexts, the passive construction 'als gemeinnützig anerkannt sein' (to be recognized as nonprofit/charitable) is very common. This is the formal status that an organization receives from the tax office.
Unser Sportverein ist als gemeinnützig anerkannt.
Our sports club is recognized as nonprofit.
social
'sozial' and 'gemeinnützig' can both have to do with helping others and the welfare of the general public. 'sozial' more often describes an attitude, a goal, or a measure that supports people, especially disadvantaged people. 'gemeinnützig' usually describes an organization, association, or project that is not aimed at profit and serves the public good. Learners may confuse the words because a 'gemeinnütziger Verein' (nonprofit association) often does social work. But not every social measure is automatically 'gemeinnützig', and 'gemeinnützig' often sounds more precise in a legal or organizational sense.
Der Verein ist gemeinnützig und verwendet die Spenden für kostenlose Nachhilfe.
The association is nonprofit and uses the donations for free tutoring.
Die Stadt plant ein soziales Projekt für Familien mit wenig Geld.
The city is planning a social project for families with little money.