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.
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The meaning 'Kamerad' (comrade) or 'Gefährte' (companion) is outdated today and is used almost only in literary or historical texts.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
'das Mitglied' and 'der Genosse' can both refer to a person who belongs to a group. 'Mitglied' is the general word and works for clubs, organizations, parties, families, or groups. 'Genosse' is much more specific: it is used mainly in political parties with a socialist or social democratic tradition, or for a member of a cooperative. For that reason, you cannot simply call every member a 'Genosse'. The confusion arises because both words express belonging. In practice: if it is not clearly about a party that uses this form of address or about a cooperative, 'Mitglied' is more natural.
Der Genosse stellte auf der Parteiversammlung einen neuen Antrag.
The comrade put forward a new motion at the party meeting.
Lena ist seit drei Jahren Mitglied im Sportverein.
Lena has been a member of the sports club for three years.