society / company
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society
All the people who live together in a political, economic, and social system, as well as their structures and relationships.
Der Klimawandel ist eine der größten Herausforderungen für die moderne Gesellschaft.
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges for modern society.
The word is made up of 'Geselle' (historically: companion or partner) and the ending '-schaft'. The ending '-schaft' forms nouns that describe a group or community.
Die ganze Nachbarschaft hat beim Fest geholfen.
The whole neighborhood helped at the festival.
You can recognize the meaning from context. In the broad, political sense, it is society (m01). With friends, it means company or being together (m02). In a business context, it is a company (m03). As the name of an association, it is an organization (m04).
Er genießt die Gesellschaft seiner Freunde.
He enjoys the company of his friends.
When it is about the social system, 'Gesellschaft' (society) is often combined with adjectives like 'modern' (modern), 'offen' (open), 'bürgerlich' (middle-class/civil), or 'industriell' (industrial).
Die Digitalisierung verändert unsere moderne Gesellschaft grundlegend.
Digitalization is fundamentally changing our modern society.
In the meaning 'being together', there are fixed expressions such as 'jemandem Gesellschaft leisten' (to keep someone company; to spend time with someone so they are not alone) or 'in guter Gesellschaft sein' (to be in good company).
Meine Oma ist oft allein, deshalb leiste ich ihr gerne Gesellschaft.
My grandma is often alone, so I like keeping her company.
When 'Gesellschaft' means a company, this is often made clear by additions such as 'mbH' (limited liability company) or 'AG' (stock corporation). Verbs like 'gründen' (to found) or 'leiten' (to manage) also point to this meaning.
Die Müller & Co. GmbH ist eine bekannte Gesellschaft in der Region.
Müller & Co. GmbH is a well-known company in the region.
world
'die Welt' and 'die Gesellschaft' can both refer to people as a group. 'Welt' is broader and often more general: it can mean many people or the public, and sometimes even all people. 'Gesellschaft' refers more to the people who live in a shared social system, with rules, roles, and problems. The words can be confused because both talk about people. When it is about public attention, 'Welt' often fits. When it is about living together, social issues, or rules, 'Gesellschaft' is more precise.
Nico findet, dass die Gesellschaft mehr für ältere Menschen tun sollte.
Nico thinks that society should do more for older people.
Die ganze Welt spricht über das große Sportereignis.
The whole world is talking about the major sporting event.