01
der Verein
club / association
An organization in which people with shared interests or goals come together, for example in sports, culture, or social work.
example
Er ist Mitglied in einem Fußballverein.
He is a member of a football club.
der Verein
club / association
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'Verein' (club/association) is closely related to the verb 'vereinen' (to unite), which means 'to bring together' or 'to make one.' A Verein is therefore an organization in which people with the same interests unite.
EXAMPLE
Viele Nachbarn haben sich in einem Verein zusammengeschlossen, um den Park zu pflegen.
Many neighbors joined together in an association to maintain the park.
Typical verbs
Common verbs used in connection with 'Verein' (club/association) are: 'einen Verein gründen' (to found a club), 'in einen Verein eintreten' (to join a club), and 'Mitglied in einem Verein sein' (to be a member of a club).
EXAMPLE
Nächstes Jahr möchte ich in einen Sportverein eintreten.
Next year I would like to join a sports club.
Correct prepositions
To express membership, you use 'in' with the dative. When talking about joining, meaning movement into something, you use 'in' with the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist schon seit zehn Jahren im Verein aktiv.
She has been active in the club for ten years already.
Cultural significance
Clubs and associations have great social significance in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. They exist for almost every hobby, from sports and music to gardening.
EXAMPLE
Das Dorfleben wird stark von den örtlichen Vereinen geprägt.
Village life is strongly shaped by the local clubs.
Compare with
Verein vs Gesellschaft
society / company
'die Gesellschaft' and 'der Verein' can both mean an organized group of people with a shared goal. 'Verein' is the usual word for sports, music, culture, or social engagement, often with members and rules. 'Gesellschaft' sounds more formal and is more often used for scientific, cultural, or charitable organizations. The words can be confused because both describe groups with members. In everyday language, 'Verein' is usually more natural; 'Gesellschaft' is more appropriate for official or more elevated names.
Verein
Nach der Arbeit trainiert Mehmet zweimal pro Woche im Verein.
After work, Mehmet trains at the club twice a week.
Gesellschaft
Die medizinische Gesellschaft organisiert im Herbst eine Tagung für Ärztinnen und Ärzte.
The medical society is organizing a conference for doctors in the fall.
In real life
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