union / association
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union
The process or result of two or more people, groups, or things joining together to form one unit.
Die Vereinigung der beiden Unternehmen führte zur Schaffung eines neuen Marktführers.
The union of the two companies led to the creation of a new market leader.
The word 'Vereinigung' (union/association) is derived from the verb 'vereinigen' (to unite), which means 'to make into one unit.' Its origin lies in the numeral 'ein' (one). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a feminine noun that describes the process or the result.
Die beiden Parteien streben eine Vereinigung an.
The two parties are aiming for a union.
To express what is being brought together, you often use the preposition 'von' with the dative or the genitive. To describe the result of the merger, 'zu' with the dative is used.
Die Vereinigung von Arbeit und Freizeit ist für viele ein Ziel.
The union of work and leisure is a goal for many people.
When 'Vereinigung' (association) describes an organization, it often appears with a name or a purpose introduced by 'für' (for) or 'zum Schutz von' (for the protection of). It often sounds more formal than the word 'Verein' (club/association).
Sie ist Mitglied der „Internationalen Astronomischen Vereinigung“.
She is a member of the 'International Astronomical Union.'
In the German context, 'die Vereinigung' (the unification) or 'die deutsche Vereinigung' (German unification) almost always refers to the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990. It is a fixed term in contemporary history.
Viele Menschen feierten den Tag der deutschen Vereinigung auf der Straße.
Many people celebrated the Day of German Unity in the streets.
In the meaning 'Geschlechtsverkehr' (sexual intercourse), 'Vereinigung' (union) is used almost exclusively in very formal, legal, biological, or outdated texts. This term is uncommon in everyday speech.
In der Biologie wird die Vereinigung der Keimzellen als Befruchtung bezeichnet.
In biology, the union of the germ cells is called fertilization.
society / company
'die Gesellschaft' and 'die Vereinigung' can both mean an organized group of people. However, 'Gesellschaft' is broader and, depending on the context, can also be a company, society as a whole, or a formal organization. 'Vereinigung' fits better when people deliberately join together because of shared goals or interests. The words can be confused especially in the names of organizations. As a practical guide: in a general or traditional name, 'Gesellschaft' may fit; for an association with a clear shared goal, 'Vereinigung' often sounds more precise.
Die Vereinigung der Ladenbesitzer spricht mit der Stadt über längere Öffnungszeiten.
The shopkeepers' association is talking with the city about longer opening hours.
Die medizinische Gesellschaft organisiert im Herbst eine große Tagung.
The medical society is organizing a large conference in the fall.