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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 allein
alone / only
'allein' and 'kollektiv' are opposites when it comes to actions or decisions. Here, 'allein' means that one person does something without help or without others. 'kollektiv' means that a group acts or decides together. 'allein' works well for personal responsibility or an individual action. 'kollektiv' fits when the group as a unit is important.
kollektiv
Bei der Arbeit trifft das Team wichtige Entscheidungen kollektiv.
At work, the team makes important decisions collectively.
allein
Er hat den Umzug fast allein organisiert.
He organized the move almost entirely on his own.
In real life
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