kollektiv
collective
An action or decision that is carried out or made jointly by a group of people as a unit.
EXAMPLE
Das Team hat kollektiv beschlossen, das Projekt abzubrechen.
The team collectively decided to cancel the project.
kollektiv
collective
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'kollektiv' (collective) is closely related to the noun 'das Kollektiv' (the collective), which refers to a group of people who work together or pursue a common goal.
EXAMPLE
Ein Künstlerkollektiv hat die Fassade des Gebäudes gestaltet.
An artists' collective designed the facade of the building.
Sentence structure and use
'Kollektiv' (collective/collectively) can be used as an adverb to describe a verb, or as an adjective before a noun. As an adverb, it often comes after the conjugated verb.
EXAMPLE
Die Mitarbeiter haben kollektiv für längere Pausen gestimmt.
The employees collectively voted for longer breaks.
Typical collocations
The adjective is often combined with nouns that describe an action, a feeling, or a concept. Typical examples are: 'kollektive Entscheidung' (collective decision), 'kollektives Gedächtnis' (collective memory), or 'kollektives Versagen' (collective failure).
EXAMPLE
Das kollektive Gedächtnis einer Nation wird durch Denkmäler geprägt.
The collective memory of a nation is shaped by monuments.
Compare with
kollektiv vs gemeinsam
together / shared
Gemeinsam and kollektiv can both describe an action or decision carried out by several people. Gemeinsam mainly emphasizes their participation; kollektiv presents them more strongly as a unified group and therefore often sounds more institutional.
kollektiv
Der Vereinsvorstand entschied kollektiv, den Beitrag zu senken.
The club board collectively decided to lower the membership fee.
gemeinsam
Die Vereinsmitglieder entschieden gemeinsam, den Beitrag zu senken.
The club members jointly decided to lower the membership fee.
In real life
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