comrade
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comrade
A form of address or term for a member of a socialist, social democratic, or communist party.
Auf dem Parteitag begrüßte der Vorsitzende die Genossinnen und Genossen.
At the party conference, the chairperson greeted the female and male comrades.
companion
A companion, comrade, or someone connected with a person in a community or enterprise. This meaning is somewhat outdated.
Er und seine treuen Genossen machten sich auf den Weg.
He and his loyal companions set off on their way.
cooperative member
A member of a cooperative, for example a housing cooperative or agricultural cooperative.
Als Genosse hat er ein Stimmrecht bei der jährlichen Versammlung der Baugenossenschaft.
As a cooperative member, he has a voting right at the annual meeting of the building cooperative.
The word 'Genosse' (comrade) derives from the idea of 'genießen' (to enjoy) or use something together. A 'Genosse' is therefore someone who shares something with you—whether an idea, a goal, or a good.
Die beiden waren nicht nur Kollegen, sondern auch Leidensgenossen im stressigen Projekt.
The two were not only colleagues, but also fellow sufferers in the stressful project.
In modern German, 'Genosse' (comrade) is used almost exclusively as a form of address or term in socialist, social democratic, or communist parties. Outside this context, using it can lead to misunderstandings.
In seiner Rede dankte der Kanzler den Genossinnen und Genossen für ihre Unterstützung.
In his speech, the chancellor thanked the female and male comrades for their support.
The meaning 'Kamerad' (comrade) or 'Gefährte' (companion) is outdated today and is used almost only in literary or historical texts. In everyday language, people no longer speak of their 'Genossen' (companions).
In dem alten Roman machten sich der Held und seine Genossen auf die Suche nach dem Schatz.
In the old novel, the hero and his companions set out in search of the treasure.
This meaning is always tied to a 'Genossenschaft' (a cooperative). You can recognize the context from words like 'Wohnungsbau' (housing construction), 'Bank' (bank), 'Mitglieder' (members), or 'Anteile' (shares).
Jeder Genosse der landwirtschaftlichen Genossenschaft muss bei der Ernte helfen.
Every cooperative member of the agricultural cooperative has to help with the harvest.
member
Both words can refer to a person who belongs to a political party. Mitglied is the neutral term, whereas Genosse or Genossin is politically and historically marked and is used especially for socialist, social democratic, or communist parties. Mitglied is usually more appropriate for a factual statement.
Lena ist seit Jahren Genossin der kommunistischen Partei.
Lena has been a comrade in the communist party for years.
Lena ist seit Jahren Mitglied der kommunistischen Partei.
Lena has been a member of the communist party for years.
