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
GesellschaftClubOrganisationGemeinschaftVerbandVereinigungKlubArbeitsgemeinschaftAssoziationKörperschaft
Verein vs Gesellschaft
society / company
Gesellschaft and Verein can both refer to a formal group with shared goals. Gesellschaft is especially appropriate as the established name of a scientific, cultural, or charitable organization; Verein is the more general term for an association of people with shared interests or goals.
Verein
Der örtliche Verein für Sprachforschung veranstaltet ein Treffen.
The local association for linguistic research is hosting a meeting.
Gesellschaft
Die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Sprachforschung veranstaltet eine Tagung.
The German Society for Linguistic Research is hosting a conference.
In real life
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