interest group
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interest group
An association of people, companies, or organizations formed to pursue shared economic, political, or other interests.
Mehrere Anwohner gründeten eine Interessengemeinschaft gegen den Bau der neuen Autobahn.
Several local residents founded an interest group against the construction of the new highway.
The word is made up of three parts: 'Interessen' (plural of interest), the linking element -s, and 'Gemeinschaft' (community/group). So it literally means a 'community of interests.'
Die Interessengemeinschaft kämpft für den Erhalt des alten Theaters.
The interest group is fighting to preserve the old theater.
In everyday language, and especially in the names of organizations, 'Interessengemeinschaft' (interest group) is often abbreviated as 'IG'. A famous example is the trade union 'IG Metall'.
Er ist Mitglied der IG Bauen-Agrar-Umwelt.
He is a member of IG Bauen-Agrar-Umwelt.
Common verbs used with this noun are: to 'gründen' (found) an interest group, to 'beitreten' (join) an interest group, or to be a 'Mitglied' (member) of one.
Um ihre Ziele zu erreichen, haben sie eine Interessengemeinschaft gegründet.
To achieve their goals, they founded an interest group.
The specific goal or opponent of the group is often expressed with the prepositions 'für' (for) or 'gegen' (against), followed by the accusative.
Eine Interessengemeinschaft für saubere Luft hat zu einer Demonstration aufgerufen.
An interest group for clean air has called for a demonstration.
club / association
'der Verein' and 'die Interessengemeinschaft' both have to do with people or organizations that have a shared goal. 'Verein' sounds like a formal organization with members, often in leisure, sports, culture, or social work. 'Interessengemeinschaft' places more emphasis on the shared interest and on taking joint action for it. It can consist of private individuals, companies, or other organizations and does not have to seem like a traditional club or association. Learners may confuse the words because both describe groups formed by people or organizations coming together. When it is about ongoing membership life, 'Verein' fits better. When it is mainly about representing a shared interest, 'Interessengemeinschaft' is more precise.
Die Anwohner gründen eine Interessengemeinschaft gegen den starken Verkehr in ihrer Straße.
The local residents are founding an interest group against the heavy traffic on their street.
Du kannst im Verein neue Leute kennenlernen und zusammen trainieren.
You can meet new people at the club and train together.