institution
die Institution, die Institutionen
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institution
An organization or establishment that serves a specific public, social, or political purpose, such as a university, a bank, or a court.
Das Rote Kreuz ist eine wichtige humanitäre Institution.
The Red Cross is an important humanitarian institution.
institution
A person or thing that has long been a fixed and well-known part of a particular field or community.
Nach 40 Jahren im Verein ist der Platzwart eine echte Institution.
After 40 years at the club, the groundskeeper is a real institution.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Institutionen |
| genitive | der Institution |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Institution | die Institutionen |
| accusative | die Institution | die Institutionen |
| dative | der Institution | den Institutionen |
| genitive | der Institution | der Institutionen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Nouns that end in '-tion' often come from Latin and are almost always feminine in German. When you see this ending, you can use the article 'die' with a high degree of certainty.
Die Organisation einer Konferenz ist eine große Aufgabe.
Organizing a conference is a big task.
The meanings are easy to distinguish from context: if people are talking about an organization with rules and a purpose, it means an establishment or institution. If they are talking about a person or thing that is very well known and established, the word is being used metaphorically.
Die Universität ist eine wichtige Bildungsinstitution.
The university is an important educational institution.
Dieser wöchentliche Stammtisch ist mittlerweile eine echte Institution.
This weekly regulars' table has now become a real institution.
When a person or thing is described as an 'Institution' (institution), this usually happens with the verbs 'sein' (to be) or 'werden' (to become). The person or thing is already an institution or is developing into one.
Nach 50 Jahren als Wirtin ist sie in diesem Dorf eine Institution.
After 50 years as an innkeeper, she is an institution in this village.
Das kleine Café wurde schnell zu einer Institution im Viertel.
The small café quickly became an institution in the neighborhood.
organization
Organisation and Institution can both refer to an establishment or group formed for a particular purpose. Institution additionally emphasizes that the establishment is socially recognized and firmly established, while Organisation highlights the group itself. Use „Institution“ for established institutions and „Organisation“ more generally.
Die Universität ist eine wichtige Institution für Bildung und Forschung.
The university is an important institution for education and research.
Die Organisation unterstützt Familien mit kostenlosen Beratungen.
The organization supports families by offering free consultations.
