At the A1 beginner level, the word 'Gemeinschaft' is introduced simply as the German word for 'community'. When you are just starting to learn German, you need to know how to talk about the people around you. A 'Gemeinschaft' is a group of people who live together, work together, or share something special. It is a feminine noun, so we say 'die Gemeinschaft'. If you want to talk about more than one community, you say 'die Gemeinschaften'. You might hear this word when people talk about their village, their school, or their church. For example, if you live in a small town, all the people there form a community. In German, you can say 'Wir sind eine gute Gemeinschaft', which means 'We are a good community'. It is a very positive word. It means people help each other and are friendly. At this level, you do not need to worry about complex grammar or long compound words. Just remember that 'Gemeinschaft' means a group of people who belong together. You can use it to describe your family, your friends, or the people in your German class. It is a beautiful word that shows how people connect with one another. Practice saying 'die Gemeinschaft' and try to use it when you talk about groups of people you like. It is one of the most important words for understanding how Germans live and work together. Keep it simple: it means community, it is feminine, and it is a good thing to have.
At the A2 level, your understanding of 'Gemeinschaft' expands to include more practical, everyday situations, especially regarding how people live in Germany. You will learn that 'Gemeinschaft' is not just an abstract idea, but a real part of daily life. One of the most important new words you will learn is 'Wohngemeinschaft', often called a 'WG'. This means a shared apartment. Many students and young people in Germany live in a WG because it is cheaper and more fun. In a WG, you share the kitchen and the bathroom, and you form a small 'Gemeinschaft' with your flatmates. You will also learn how to use the word in different sentences using basic prepositions. For example, you can say 'Ich lebe in einer Gemeinschaft' (I live in a community). Notice that we use 'einer' because 'in' takes the dative case here. You might also talk about doing things 'für die Gemeinschaft' (for the community), using the accusative case. At this level, you should also understand that 'Gemeinschaft' is different from 'Gesellschaft' (society). A 'Gemeinschaft' is smaller and more personal, like your local sports club or your village. A 'Gesellschaft' is big, like the whole country of Germany. You will start to see this word in reading texts about hobbies, living arrangements, and local events. It is a key word for describing social life and integration. By practicing phrases like 'eine starke Gemeinschaft' (a strong community), you will sound much more natural when speaking German.
At the B1 intermediate level, 'Gemeinschaft' becomes a crucial vocabulary word for discussing social issues, personal interests, and cultural topics. You are now expected to express your opinions and describe experiences in more detail. The word 'Gemeinschaft' helps you talk about the importance of social cohesion and belonging. You will encounter many compound nouns that use this word as a base. For example, 'Dorfgemeinschaft' (village community), 'Schulgemeinschaft' (school community), and 'Glaubensgemeinschaft' (religious community). Understanding how these compound words are formed is essential. Since 'Gemeinschaft' is feminine, all these compound words are also feminine (die Dorfgemeinschaft). You will also learn to use the adjective form, 'gemeinschaftlich', which means 'joint' or 'communal'. For instance, 'Wir haben ein gemeinschaftliches Projekt' (We have a joint project). At this level, you should be able to discuss the benefits and challenges of living in a community. You might write an essay or have a discussion about why a sense of community is important in modern times, contrasting it with loneliness or individualism. You will also hear this word frequently in the news, perhaps in the context of the 'Europäische Gemeinschaft' (European Community) or local citizen initiatives. It is important to distinguish it clearly from 'Gemeinde' (municipality/parish) and 'Verein' (club). A 'Verein' is the formal organization, while the 'Gemeinschaft' is the feeling of togetherness among the members. Mastering this word at B1 allows you to engage in deeper, more meaningful conversations about society and human relationships.
At the B2 upper-intermediate level, your use of 'Gemeinschaft' must become more nuanced, abstract, and grammatically precise. You are now dealing with complex texts, political discussions, and academic topics. The word 'Gemeinschaft' is frequently used in political and sociological discourse. You will encounter terms like 'Wertegemeinschaft' (community of values), which is often used to describe the European Union or Western democracies. You will also see 'Solidargemeinschaft' (community of solidarity), a key concept in the German social security and healthcare systems, where everyone contributes to help those in need. At this level, you must confidently use the word in various grammatical constructions, including the genitive case: 'die Interessen der Gemeinschaft' (the interests of the community) or 'ein Mitglied der Gemeinschaft' (a member of the community). You should be able to debate the tension between individual freedom ('Individualismus') and community obligations ('Gemeinschaftspflichten'). Furthermore, you will encounter legal and economic terms such as 'Erbengemeinschaft' (community of heirs) or 'Bedarfsgemeinschaft' (a household unit in social welfare law). Your vocabulary should expand to include verbs that collocate strongly with this noun, such as 'eine Gemeinschaft bilden' (to form a community), 'die Gemeinschaft stärken' (to strengthen the community), or 'sich in die Gemeinschaft integrieren' (to integrate into the community). Understanding the subtle emotional and cultural weight of 'Gemeinschaft'—the longing for connection in an increasingly fragmented world—is essential for comprehending German literature, journalism, and cultural debates at the B2 level.
At the C1 advanced level, 'Gemeinschaft' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a gateway to understanding German sociology, history, and philosophy. You are expected to grasp the deep cultural connotations and historical baggage attached to the term. A central concept you must understand is the sociological dichotomy introduced by Ferdinand Tönnies in 1887: 'Gemeinschaft und Gesellschaft' (Community and Society). Tönnies defined 'Gemeinschaft' as an organic, traditional, and emotionally bound group (like a family or a rural village), characterized by mutual trust and shared beliefs. In contrast, 'Gesellschaft' is a mechanical, modern, and rational association based on self-interest and contracts (like a capitalist economy or a modern state). This distinction is fundamental to German academic and intellectual discourse. Furthermore, you must be aware of the historical misuse of the word. During the National Socialist era, the concept of the 'Volksgemeinschaft' (people's community) was heavily propagandized to create a racially exclusive and ideologically uniform society, leading to the exclusion and murder of those deemed outside the community. Because of this dark history, the term 'Volksgemeinschaft' is highly toxic and historically loaded today. At C1, you will use highly specific compound nouns in professional and academic contexts, such as 'Gefahrengemeinschaft' (risk pool in insurance) or 'Zweckgemeinschaft' (community of convenience/purpose). You must be able to write sophisticated essays analyzing how modern phenomena, like the internet or globalization, impact traditional forms of 'Gemeinschaft', using precise academic language and complex sentence structures.
At the C2 mastery level, your command of the word 'Gemeinschaft' and its derivatives must be indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You are navigating the highest levels of literary, philosophical, and legal German. You understand that 'Gemeinschaft' is a highly polysemous term whose exact meaning shifts dramatically depending on the academic discipline or literary context. In jurisprudence, you deal with complex constructs like the 'Gesamthandsgemeinschaft' (joint ownership) or the 'Bruchteilsgemeinschaft' (community of part owners), understanding the precise legal implications of each. In philosophy and political science, you can critically analyze communitarianism ('Kommunitarismus') versus liberalism, debating the ethical foundations of a 'Rechtsgemeinschaft' (community of law). You are acutely aware of the linguistic evolution of the suffix '-schaft' and how it transforms an adjective ('gemein' - originally 'shared' or 'common') into an abstract noun denoting a collective state of being. You can effortlessly dissect and utilize archaic or highly poetic forms found in classical German literature, understanding how authors like Goethe or Thomas Mann utilized the concept of community to explore the human condition. Furthermore, you can engage in high-level discourse regarding the fragmentation of modern society, discussing the emergence of 'Parallelgesellschaften' (parallel societies) and the struggle to maintain a cohesive 'Solidargemeinschaft' in the face of demographic shifts and globalization. Your use of collocations, idiomatic expressions, and register is flawless, allowing you to deploy the word 'Gemeinschaft' with surgical precision in any conceivable intellectual or professional setting.

Gemeinschaft en 30 segundos

  • Translates directly to 'community' in English.
  • It is a feminine noun: die Gemeinschaft.
  • Often used to form compound words like Wohngemeinschaft (WG).
  • Implies a personal, emotional bond, unlike 'Gesellschaft'.
The German noun 'Gemeinschaft' is a fundamental concept in both everyday language and sociological theory, translating primarily to 'community' in English. To truly understand this word, one must delve into its linguistic roots, its cultural significance, and its practical applications in modern German society. The word is derived from the adjective 'gemein', which historically meant 'common' or 'shared' (though today it can also mean 'mean' or 'nasty' in a different context), and the suffix '-schaft', which is equivalent to the English '-ship' or '-hood', denoting a state, condition, or collective body. Therefore, at its core, 'Gemeinschaft' refers to a state of being shared or a collective body of people who share something significant. This shared element could be a physical space, such as a village or a neighborhood, leading to terms like 'Dorfgemeinschaft' (village community). It could also be a shared set of values, interests, or beliefs, resulting in a 'Wertegemeinschaft' (community of values) or a 'Glaubensgemeinschaft' (religious community).
Sociological Definition
In sociology, Ferdinand Tönnies famously contrasted 'Gemeinschaft' (community) with 'Gesellschaft' (society), defining the former as a group based on personal, social, and traditional bonds.
When you use this word, you are invoking a sense of belonging, mutual support, and interconnectedness that goes beyond mere physical proximity.

Wir haben eine sehr starke Gemeinschaft in unserem kleinen Dorf aufgebaut.

It is a word that carries emotional weight, suggesting that the individuals within the group care for one another and work together towards common goals. In everyday conversation, you will frequently encounter this word when people talk about their living arrangements, their hobbies, or their political affiliations. For instance, the concept of a 'Wohngemeinschaft' (often abbreviated as WG) is incredibly common in Germany, referring to a shared apartment where individuals live together, sharing not just rent but often meals, chores, and social time.

Das Leben in der Gemeinschaft erfordert Kompromisse und viel Toleranz.

This highlights how the word is used to describe both the abstract concept of togetherness and the tangible reality of shared living.
Emotional Nuance
The term often evokes feelings of warmth, security, and mutual reliance, contrasting with the cold anonymity of modern urban life.
Furthermore, the word extends into broader societal and political realms. The European Union, for example, evolved from the 'Europäische Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft' (European Economic Community), demonstrating how the concept of shared interests can scale from a single apartment to an entire continent.

Die internationale Gemeinschaft muss bei diesem globalen Problem zusammenarbeiten.

When learning German, grasping the full depth of 'Gemeinschaft' is crucial because it unlocks a deeper understanding of German culture, which places a high value on social cohesion, community involvement, and collective responsibility. Whether you are discussing a local sports club, a religious congregation, or the global community of nations, this versatile noun is indispensable.

Eine funktionierende Gemeinschaft ist das Rückgrat jeder gesunden Gesellschaft.

Legal Context
In law, it can refer to joint ownership or a legal partnership, such as an 'Erbengemeinschaft' (community of heirs).
By mastering its usage, you not only expand your vocabulary but also gain insight into the collective mindset that shapes much of the German-speaking world.

Er fühlte sich endlich als Teil der Gemeinschaft akzeptiert.

In summary, it is far more than just a translation of 'community'; it is a reflection of shared human experience, mutual dependence, and the fundamental desire to belong to something larger than oneself. Understanding this will greatly enrich your German language journey.
Using the word 'Gemeinschaft' correctly in German requires an understanding of its grammatical properties, its role in sentence structure, and its incredible ability to form compound nouns. First and foremost, 'Gemeinschaft' is a feminine noun, which means it uses the definite article 'die'. In the singular, the cases are: nominative 'die Gemeinschaft', accusative 'die Gemeinschaft', dative 'der Gemeinschaft', and genitive 'der Gemeinschaft'.
Plural Formation
The plural form is 'die Gemeinschaften'. The addition of '-en' is standard for feminine nouns ending in '-schaft'.
When constructing sentences, you will often use it with prepositions that dictate specific cases. For example, when talking about being 'in' a community, you use the dative case because it indicates a static position or state: 'in der Gemeinschaft' (in the community).

Wir arbeiten alle für die Gemeinschaft.

If you are doing something 'for' the community, you use the accusative preposition 'für': 'für die Gemeinschaft'. One of the most powerful features of the German language is its ability to create compound nouns, and 'Gemeinschaft' is an incredibly productive suffix in this regard. You can attach almost any descriptive noun to the front of it to create a highly specific type of community.

Die Schulklasse ist eine kleine, aber wichtige Gemeinschaft.

For instance, 'Wohnen' (living) + 'Gemeinschaft' becomes 'Wohngemeinschaft' (shared living arrangement). 'Dorf' (village) + 'Gemeinschaft' becomes 'Dorfgemeinschaft' (village community).
Compound Noun Rule
In German compound nouns, the final word determines the gender. Since 'Gemeinschaft' is feminine, all compounds ending in it are also feminine (die Wohngemeinschaft).
Other common examples include 'Schicksalsgemeinschaft' (community of fate, people bound by a shared destiny), 'Interessengemeinschaft' (community of interest, a group formed around a shared hobby or goal), and 'Glaubensgemeinschaft' (religious community).

Er engagiert sich sehr stark in der kirchlichen Gemeinschaft.

When using these compounds, the grammatical rules apply exactly as they do to the base word. You will also frequently see 'Gemeinschaft' used as an adjective prefix, 'gemeinschaftlich', which means 'joint', 'collective', or 'communal'. For example, 'gemeinschaftliches Eigentum' means 'joint property', and 'wir haben das gemeinschaftlich beschlossen' means 'we decided that collectively'. In written German, especially in formal or academic contexts, you might encounter the genitive case more frequently, such as 'die Werte der Gemeinschaft' (the values of the community) or 'ein Mitglied der Gemeinschaft' (a member of the community).

Jedes Mitglied der Gemeinschaft hat bestimmte Rechte und Pflichten.

Understanding how to decline this noun and how to build upon it with prefixes and suffixes will significantly enhance your fluency.
Verb Collocations
Common verbs used with this noun include 'bilden' (to form), 'stärken' (to strengthen), 'zerstören' (to destroy), and 'beitreten' (to join).
Practice combining it with different adjectives, such as 'eine starke Gemeinschaft' (a strong community), 'eine enge Gemeinschaft' (a tight-knit community), or 'eine globale Gemeinschaft' (a global community).

Das Fest hat unsere Gemeinschaft noch weiter gestärkt.

By integrating these patterns into your daily practice, the usage of this essential vocabulary word will become second nature, allowing you to express complex social concepts with ease and precision.
The word 'Gemeinschaft' is ubiquitous in the German-speaking world, appearing in a vast array of contexts ranging from casual everyday conversations to highly formal political and legal discourse. One of the most common places you will hear a variation of this word is in the context of housing, specifically among students and young professionals. The term 'Wohngemeinschaft', almost universally abbreviated as 'WG' (pronounced veh-geh), is a staple of German urban life.
Student Life
If you study in Germany, you will inevitably look for a 'WG-Zimmer' (a room in a shared apartment) and interact with your 'WG-Mitbewohner' (flatmates).
In this context, the word signifies a practical arrangement of shared living space, but it also implies a certain level of social interaction and shared responsibility.

Ich suche ein Zimmer in einer netten Gemeinschaft.

Moving beyond the domestic sphere, you will frequently encounter the word in local and regional contexts. A 'Dorfgemeinschaft' refers to the tight-knit social fabric of a village, where everyone knows everyone else, and local festivals or events are organized collectively. In the realm of politics and international relations, the word takes on a grander scale. The European Union is frequently discussed in terms of being a 'Wertegemeinschaft' (a community of shared values), emphasizing that the union is not just an economic bloc but a group of nations bound by common democratic principles.

Europa versteht sich als eine Gemeinschaft von demokratischen Staaten.

Historical Context
Historically, the predecessor to the EU was known in German as the Europäische Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft (EWG), highlighting the economic roots of the community.
You will also hear the phrase 'die internationale Gemeinschaft' (the international community) in news broadcasts when discussing global responses to crises, climate change, or diplomatic conflicts. In religious contexts, 'Glaubensgemeinschaft' or 'kirchliche Gemeinschaft' are standard terms for congregations or religious denominations.

Die muslimische Gemeinschaft in dieser Stadt wächst stetig.

Furthermore, the digital age has brought about the 'Internetgemeinschaft' or 'Online-Gemeinschaft', referring to users of a particular platform, forum, or online game. In legal and financial spheres, terms like 'Erbengemeinschaft' (community of heirs) or 'Bedarfsgemeinschaft' (a term used in German social security law for people living in the same household who share financial resources) are highly specific and legally binding concepts.

Die Gemeinschaft der Erben muss das Haus gemeinsam verkaufen.

School and Education
In schools, teachers often emphasize 'Klassengemeinschaft' to promote a good social atmosphere and prevent bullying among students.
Finally, in sports and hobbies, an 'Interessengemeinschaft' might be formed by people who want to advocate for a specific cause, like building a new skate park or preserving a local forest.

Unsere Gemeinschaft trifft sich jeden Dienstag zum Schachspielen.

Because it encompasses such a wide spectrum of human organization—from the intimacy of a shared apartment to the vastness of global diplomacy—'Gemeinschaft' is a word you will encounter daily in newspapers, on television, in legal documents, and in casual chats with friends.
When learning the word 'Gemeinschaft', non-native speakers often stumble over a few common pitfalls, primarily involving false friends, incorrect synonyms, and grammatical errors. The most frequent and significant mistake is confusing 'Gemeinschaft' with 'Gesellschaft'. While both can be translated as 'society' or 'community' depending on the context, they have very distinct sociological and practical meanings in German.
The Big Distinction
'Gemeinschaft' implies a personal, emotional, and organic bond (like a family or village), whereas 'Gesellschaft' implies a formal, structured, and often impersonal association (like a modern state or a business company).
If you refer to a business corporation as a 'Gemeinschaft', native speakers will be confused; it should be a 'Gesellschaft' (as in GmbH - Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung).

Falsch: Die Firma ist eine große Gemeinschaft. Richtig: Die Firma ist eine große Gesellschaft.

Another common error is confusing 'Gemeinschaft' with 'Gemeinde'. 'Gemeinde' usually refers to a specific administrative municipality, a local authority, or a local religious parish. For example, you pay taxes to the 'Gemeinde', but you enjoy the summer festival with the 'Dorfgemeinschaft'.

Der Bürgermeister spricht heute zur ganzen Gemeinschaft (better: Gemeinde) im Rathaus.

Preposition Errors
Learners often use the wrong preposition. To say you live 'in a community', you must use the dative case: 'in einer Gemeinschaft', not 'in eine Gemeinschaft' (which implies movement into it).
Grammatically, because the word is quite long, learners sometimes forget that it is feminine and apply the wrong articles or adjective endings. Remember, all words ending in '-schaft' are feminine.

Er sucht ein Haus für seine große Gemeinschaft.

Furthermore, English speakers often try to use the English loanword 'Community' in all situations. While 'die Community' is perfectly acceptable and very common when talking about the internet, gaming, or social media (e.g., 'die YouTube-Community'), it sounds out of place when discussing traditional, physical, or political groups. You wouldn't call the European Union a 'Werte-Community'; it is strictly a 'Wertegemeinschaft'.

Die Online-Gemeinschaft war empört über das neue Update.

Plural Mistakes
Another minor but common error is the plural formation. It is 'die Gemeinschaften', adding '-en'. Never add an 's' or leave it unchanged.
Finally, be careful with the adjective 'gemein'. While 'Gemeinschaft' is a positive word about togetherness, the adjective 'gemein' today usually translates to 'mean', 'nasty', or 'cruel' (e.g., 'Das ist gemein!' - That is mean!). The historical meaning of 'common' is preserved in the noun, but the adjective has drifted.

Trotz des Namens hat die Gemeinschaft nichts mit 'gemein sein' zu tun.

By being aware of these distinctions, especially the difference between Gemeinschaft, Gesellschaft, and Gemeinde, you will avoid the most glaring errors and speak German with much greater precision and cultural awareness.
To fully master the concept of 'Gemeinschaft', it is highly beneficial to explore its synonyms and related terms, understanding the subtle nuances that distinguish them. The German language is rich in vocabulary describing groups of people, and choosing the right word depends heavily on the context, the level of formality, and the nature of the bond between the individuals.
Gesellschaft
As mentioned previously, 'Gesellschaft' translates to 'society' or 'company'. It represents a larger, more structured, and often impersonal organization of people, governed by laws and contracts rather than personal affection.
While a family is a 'Gemeinschaft', the entire population of a country forms a 'Gesellschaft'.

Die moderne Gesellschaft unterscheidet sich stark von einer traditionellen Gemeinschaft.

Another crucial related word is 'Gemeinde'. This translates to 'municipality', 'community' (in a local government sense), or 'parish'. It is a formal, administrative, or religious entity. For instance, the 'Gemeindeverwaltung' is the local council administration.

Die Gemeinde baut einen neuen Spielplatz für unsere Gemeinschaft.

Verein
A 'Verein' is a club or association. This is a massive part of German culture (Vereinskultur). It is a formally registered group of people pursuing a shared hobby or goal, like a 'Sportverein' (sports club).
While a 'Verein' fosters a sense of 'Gemeinschaft', the word 'Verein' refers to the legal and organizational structure itself.

In unserem Fußballverein herrscht eine tolle Gemeinschaft.

Then we have 'Kommune', which is a cognate to the English 'commune'. In German, it can mean a municipality (similar to Gemeinde) in administrative terms, but it is also famously used to describe intentional living communities, especially those originating from the 1968 student movements (like the famous Kommune 1 in Berlin), where people share property, income, and living spaces radically.

Sie zogen in eine Kommune, um eine alternative Gemeinschaft zu erleben.

Kollektiv & Gruppe
'Kollektiv' refers to a collective, often used in artistic, socialist, or highly collaborative work environments. 'Gruppe' is simply a 'group', the most neutral and generic term for multiple people.
A 'Gruppe' can be temporary and lack any emotional bond, whereas a 'Gemeinschaft' implies permanence and connection.

Aus einer losen Gruppe von Fremden wurde schnell eine feste Gemeinschaft.

Finally, words like 'Bund' (federation/alliance) or 'Allianz' (alliance) are used for formal, often political or military pacts between groups or nations. By understanding these distinctions, you can navigate the complex social vocabulary of the German language, ensuring you always use the perfect word to describe the human connections around you.

How Formal Is It?

Nivel de dificultad

Gramática que debes saber

Nouns ending in -schaft are always feminine.

Forming compound nouns (Noun + Noun).

Dative prepositions (in der Gemeinschaft).

Adjective declension after definite articles (die starke Gemeinschaft).

Genitive case usage (die Werte der Gemeinschaft).

Ejemplos por nivel

1

Meine Familie ist eine kleine Gemeinschaft.

My family is a small community.

Uses the nominative case. 'Eine kleine Gemeinschaft' is the predicate noun.

2

Wir sind eine gute Gemeinschaft.

We are a good community.

Simple subject-verb-object structure with the verb 'sein'.

3

Die Gemeinschaft ist sehr wichtig.

The community is very important.

'Die Gemeinschaft' is the feminine subject of the sentence.

4

Ich mag unsere Gemeinschaft.

I like our community.

Uses the accusative case 'unsere Gemeinschaft' after the verb 'mögen'.

5

Das Dorf ist eine Gemeinschaft.

The village is a community.

Equating a place (das Dorf) with the concept of community.

6

Wir essen zusammen in der Gemeinschaft.

We eat together in the community.

Uses the dative case 'in der Gemeinschaft' to show location/state.

7

Hier gibt es eine tolle Gemeinschaft.

There is a great community here.

Uses 'es gibt' + accusative 'eine tolle Gemeinschaft'.

8

Sie helfen der Gemeinschaft.

They help the community.

The verb 'helfen' requires the dative case: 'der Gemeinschaft'.

1

Ich wohne in einer Wohngemeinschaft mit drei Studenten.

I live in a shared apartment with three students.

Introduces the compound noun 'Wohngemeinschaft' (WG) in the dative case.

2

Die Dorfgemeinschaft organisiert ein großes Fest im Sommer.

The village community is organizing a big festival in the summer.

Compound noun 'Dorfgemeinschaft' as the subject.

3

Es ist schön, Teil einer Gemeinschaft zu sein.

It is nice to be part of a community.

Uses the genitive case 'einer Gemeinschaft' after 'Teil'.

4

In unserer Klasse haben wir eine starke Gemeinschaft.

In our class, we have a strong community.

Accusative case 'eine starke Gemeinschaft' as the direct object.

5

Wir müssen mehr für die Gemeinschaft tun.

We have to do more for the community.

Preposition 'für' requires the accusative case 'die Gemeinschaft'.

6

Die Menschen in der Gemeinschaft kennen sich gut.

The people in the community know each other well.

Dative case 'in der Gemeinschaft' indicating location.

7

Er sucht eine neue Gemeinschaft im Internet.

He is looking for a new community on the internet.

Accusative object 'eine neue Gemeinschaft'.

8

Das Leben in der Gemeinschaft macht Spaß.

Life in the community is fun.

Noun phrase 'Das Leben in der Gemeinschaft' acts as the subject.

1

Der Sportverein fördert die Gemeinschaft unter den Jugendlichen.

The sports club promotes community among the youth.

Uses 'fördern' (to promote) with the accusative object.

2

Eine funktionierende Gemeinschaft braucht klare Regeln und Respekt.

A functioning community needs clear rules and respect.

Adjective 'funktionierende' modifying the subject.

3

Sie haben sich zu einer Interessengemeinschaft zusammengeschlossen.

They have joined together to form a community of interest.

Reflexive verb 'sich zusammenschließen' with 'zu' + dative.

4

Das Projekt wurde gemeinschaftlich von allen Mitgliedern finanziert.

The project was jointly financed by all members.

Uses the adjective 'gemeinschaftlich' as an adverb.

5

Viele ältere Menschen suchen nach einer Gemeinschaft, um nicht einsam zu sein.

Many older people look for a community in order not to be lonely.

Preposition 'nach' requires the dative case 'einer Gemeinschaft'.

6

Die Europäische Gemeinschaft war der Vorläufer der heutigen EU.

The European Community was the predecessor of today's EU.

Historical proper noun phrase acting as the subject.

7

In einer modernen Gesellschaft ist die traditionelle Gemeinschaft oft bedroht.

In a modern society, the traditional community is often threatened.

Contrasts 'Gesellschaft' (society) with 'Gemeinschaft' (community).

8

Wir teilen die Kosten gemeinschaftlich auf.

We divide the costs collectively.

Separable verb 'aufteilen' used with the adverb 'gemeinschaftlich'.

1

Die Europäische Union versteht sich als eine unauflösliche Wertegemeinschaft.

The European Union sees itself as an indissoluble community of values.

Reflexive construction 'sich verstehen als' with a complex compound noun.

2

Der Zusammenhalt der Gemeinschaft wurde durch die Krise auf eine harte Probe gestellt.

The cohesion of the community was put to a severe test by the crisis.

Genitive construction 'der Gemeinschaft' modifying 'Zusammenhalt'.

3

Aus juristischer Sicht bilden die Erben eine sogenannte Erbengemeinschaft.

From a legal perspective, the heirs form a so-called community of heirs.

Uses specific legal terminology ('Erbengemeinschaft').

4

Die Integration von Einwanderern in die bestehende Gemeinschaft ist eine komplexe Aufgabe.

The integration of immigrants into the existing community is a complex task.

Preposition 'in' with accusative 'die bestehende Gemeinschaft' indicating direction/process.

5

Das Prinzip der Solidargemeinschaft ist das Fundament unseres Gesundheitssystems.

The principle of the community of solidarity is the foundation of our healthcare system.

Genitive case 'der Solidargemeinschaft'.

6

Sie empfand ein tiefes Gefühl der Zugehörigkeit zu dieser spirituellen Gemeinschaft.

She felt a deep sense of belonging to this spiritual community.

Preposition 'zu' requires the dative case 'dieser spirituellen Gemeinschaft'.

7

Die internationale Staatengemeinschaft verurteilte den Angriff aufs Schärfste.

The international community of states condemned the attack in the strongest terms.

Compound noun 'Staatengemeinschaft' as the formal subject.

8

Oft entstehen aus losen Netzwerken feste, verbindliche Gemeinschaften.

Often, firm, binding communities emerge from loose networks.

Plural form 'Gemeinschaften' with multiple adjectives.

1

Ferdinand Tönnies prägte die soziologische Unterscheidung zwischen Gemeinschaft und Gesellschaft.

Ferdinand Tönnies coined the sociological distinction between community and society.

Academic context using the nouns without articles to represent abstract concepts.

2

Der Begriff der Volksgemeinschaft wurde in der Zeit des Nationalsozialismus ideologisch missbraucht.

The concept of the people's community was ideologically abused during the era of National Socialism.

Passive voice construction discussing historical semantics.

3

In Zeiten der Globalisierung sehnen sich viele Menschen nach der Überschaubarkeit lokaler Gemeinschaften.

In times of globalization, many people long for the manageability of local communities.

Genitive plural 'lokaler Gemeinschaften'.

4

Die Bedarfsgemeinschaft ist ein zentraler Rechtsbegriff im deutschen Sozialrecht zur Ermittlung von Leistungsansprüchen.

The community of need is a central legal concept in German social law for determining benefit entitlements.

Highly specific bureaucratic/legal compound noun ('Bedarfsgemeinschaft').

5

Virtuelle Gemeinschaften können reale soziale Bindungen ergänzen, aber selten vollständig ersetzen.

Virtual communities can supplement real social bonds, but rarely replace them completely.

Plural subject 'Virtuelle Gemeinschaften' with complex verb structures.

6

Das genossenschaftliche Modell basiert auf der Idee der wirtschaftlichen Selbsthilfe durch Gemeinschaft.

The cooperative model is based on the idea of economic self-help through community.

Preposition 'durch' with accusative 'Gemeinschaft' (used abstractly without an article).

7

Die Wahrung des inneren Friedens obliegt der gesamten staatlichen Gemeinschaft.

The preservation of internal peace is the responsibility of the entire state community.

Dative case 'der gesamten staatlichen Gemeinschaft' after the verb 'obliegen'.

8

Es bedarf einer enormen Kraftanstrengung, um eine tief gespaltene Gemeinschaft wieder zu vereinen.

It requires an enormous effort to reunite a deeply divided community.

Infinitive clause 'um... zu vereinen' with an accusative object.

1

Die Dialektik von Individuum und Gemeinschaft durchzieht als Leitmotiv die gesamte abendländische Philosophie.

The dialectic of individual and community runs as a leitmotif through the entirety of Western philosophy.

Abstract philosophical usage without articles.

2

Als Gesamthandsgemeinschaft verfügen die Gesellschafter nur gemeinschaftlich über das Gesellschaftsvermögen.

As a joint ownership community, the partners can only dispose of the company assets collectively.

Extremely specific legal terminology ('Gesamthandsgemeinschaft') and adverbial use ('gemeinschaftlich').

3

Die Erosion traditioneller Solidargemeinschaften zwingt den Wohlfahrtsstaat zu ständigen Paradigmenwechseln.

The erosion of traditional communities of solidarity forces the welfare state into constant paradigm shifts.

Genitive plural 'traditioneller Solidargemeinschaften'.

4

In seinem Spätwerk dekonstruiert der Autor den Mythos der idyllischen Dorfgemeinschaft schonungslos.

In his late work, the author ruthlessly deconstructs the myth of the idyllic village community.

Literary analysis context, accusative object.

5

Die Schicksalsgemeinschaft der Überlebenden schweißte sie für den Rest ihres Lebens untrennbar zusammen.

The community of fate among the survivors welded them together inseparably for the rest of their lives.

Poetic/dramatic compound noun 'Schicksalsgemeinschaft'.

6

Kommunitaristische Ansätze betonen den Vorrang der Gemeinschaft gegenüber dem radikalen Individualismus.

Communitarian approaches emphasize the primacy of the community over radical individualism.

Academic discourse using 'Gemeinschaft' as a core philosophical concept.

7

Die Bruchteilsgemeinschaft unterscheidet sich fundamental von anderen Formen des gemeinschaftlichen Eigentums.

The community of part owners differs fundamentally from other forms of collective ownership.

Legal term 'Bruchteilsgemeinschaft' and adjectival use 'gemeinschaftlichen'.

8

Letztlich ist jede Sprachgemeinschaft ein dynamisches Konstrukt, das sich durch den steten Diskurs ihrer Sprecher konstituiert.

Ultimately, every linguistic community is a dynamic construct that is constituted through the constant discourse of its speakers.

Linguistic compound noun 'Sprachgemeinschaft'.

Colocaciones comunes

eine Gemeinschaft bilden
die Gemeinschaft stärken
in der Gemeinschaft leben
Teil der Gemeinschaft
die internationale Gemeinschaft
die Europäische Gemeinschaft
eine starke Gemeinschaft
die Gemeinschaft zerstören
aus der Gemeinschaft ausschließen
für die Gemeinschaft arbeiten

Se confunde a menudo con

Gemeinschaft vs Gesellschaft

Gemeinschaft vs Gemeinde

Gemeinschaft vs Kommune

Fácil de confundir

Gemeinschaft vs

Gemeinschaft vs

Gemeinschaft vs

Gemeinschaft vs

Gemeinschaft vs

Patrones de oraciones

Cómo usarlo

note

While 'Community' is used in German for online groups, 'Gemeinschaft' remains the standard for physical, political, and traditional groups.

Errores comunes
  • Using 'Gesellschaft' instead of 'Gemeinschaft' when referring to a close-knit group.
  • Using the wrong article (e.g., 'der Gemeinschaft' in the nominative case instead of 'die').
  • Using the English word 'Community' in formal German writing.
  • Confusing 'Gemeinschaft' with 'Gemeinde' (municipality).
  • Forgetting to add '-en' for the plural form ('die Gemeinschaften').

Consejos

Always Feminine

Never guess the gender of words ending in '-schaft'. They are 100% feminine. Memorize 'die Gemeinschaft' and you will also know 'die Freundschaft', 'die Gesellschaft', etc.

Compound Power

Use 'Gemeinschaft' as a building block. If you want to describe a specific community, just put the noun in front of it. School community = Schulgemeinschaft.

WG Culture

If you plan to study in Germany, learn the word 'Wohngemeinschaft' (WG). You will see it on every housing board. Knowing how a WG works is essential for student life.

Avoid 'Gesellschaft' for Friends

Do not call your group of friends a 'Gesellschaft'. That makes them sound like a business corporation. Call them a 'Gemeinschaft' or simply a 'Gruppe'.

In der vs. In die

Remember your two-way prepositions. 'Ich lebe in der Gemeinschaft' (Dative = static location). 'Ich trete in die Gemeinschaft ein' (Accusative = movement into).

Stress the Second Syllable

The stress in 'Gemeinschaft' falls on the 'mein'. Practice saying ge-MEIN-schaft to sound more like a native speaker.

Gemeinschaftlich

Use the adjective 'gemeinschaftlich' to sound advanced. Instead of saying 'Wir machen das zusammen', say 'Wir machen das gemeinschaftlich' for a more formal tone.

International News

Watch German news (like Tagesschau). You will hear 'die internationale Gemeinschaft' almost every day when they discuss foreign affairs.

Gemeinde vs Gemeinschaft

Don't confuse the two. If you are talking about paying local taxes or going to the town hall, it's the 'Gemeinde'. The feeling of togetherness is the 'Gemeinschaft'.

Historical Sensitivity

Be aware that 'Volksgemeinschaft' is a Nazi term. Never use it to describe the modern German population. Stick to 'Gesellschaft' or 'Bevölkerung'.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Ge-MINE-shaft'. The miners working in the MINE shaft form a strong COMMUNITY.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from Middle High German 'gemeinschefte', from Old High German 'gimeiniscaft'.

Contexto cultural

The 'Wohngemeinschaft' (WG) is a massive part of German youth and student culture. WG-Castings (interviews to join a flat) are notoriously rigorous.

Germany has over 600,000 registered clubs (Vereine). This club culture is the practical application of 'Gemeinschaft' in daily life.

Be careful with the compound 'Volksgemeinschaft'. Due to its use by the Nazis, it is considered a toxic and historically burdened term.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"Wohnst du lieber alleine oder in einer Wohngemeinschaft?"

"Was macht für dich eine gute Gemeinschaft aus?"

"Bist du Mitglied in einem Verein oder einer anderen Gemeinschaft?"

"Glaubst du, dass die Gemeinschaft im Internet echte Freunde ersetzen kann?"

"Wie wichtig ist dir die Dorfgemeinschaft oder Nachbarschaft?"

Temas para diario

Describe a community you belong to and why it is important to you.

Write about the differences between living in a 'Wohngemeinschaft' and living alone.

How has the concept of 'Gemeinschaft' changed with the rise of social media?

Discuss the phrase 'Die Europäische Wertegemeinschaft'. What does it mean to you?

Reflect on a time when you felt excluded from a community.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is feminine. All German nouns ending in the suffix '-schaft' are feminine. Therefore, it always takes the article 'die' in the nominative and accusative cases. In the plural, it is 'die Gemeinschaften'.

This is a crucial distinction. 'Gemeinschaft' refers to a community bound by personal, emotional, or traditional ties (like a family or village). 'Gesellschaft' refers to a society or a company, which is bound by formal, legal, or mechanical ties (like a modern state or a business corporation).

WG stands for 'Wohngemeinschaft'. It translates to a shared apartment. It is extremely common in Germany for students and young professionals to live in a WG to save money and enjoy social interaction.

Yes, but mostly in specific contexts. 'Die Community' is very common when talking about the internet, social media, or gaming (e.g., 'die Gaming-Community'). However, for traditional, political, or physical groups, 'Gemeinschaft' is the correct and natural word.

You would say 'Ich tue das für die Gemeinschaft'. Because 'für' is an accusative preposition, and 'Gemeinschaft' is feminine, the article remains 'die'.

A 'Wertegemeinschaft' is a 'community of values'. It is a term frequently used in politics to describe a group of nations or people who share fundamental ethical and democratic principles, such as the European Union.

No, not directly anymore. The root word 'gemein' historically meant 'common' or 'shared'. Over time, the adjective 'gemein' evolved to mean 'mean' or 'nasty' in everyday speech. However, the noun 'Gemeinschaft' retained the original positive meaning of 'shared community'.

A 'Dorfgemeinschaft' translates to 'village community'. It refers to the social fabric and the collective group of people living in a small village, often characterized by strong mutual support and shared local traditions.

The 'sch' in German is pronounced like the 'sh' in the English word 'shoe'. The entire word is pronounced roughly as 'Ge-MINE-shaft'.

The plural is 'die Gemeinschaften'. You simply add an '-en' to the end of the word. This is the standard plural rule for all feminine nouns ending in '-schaft'.

Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas

writing

Write a simple sentence saying 'My family is a good community.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence saying 'The community is big.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence saying 'I live in a shared apartment (WG).'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence saying 'We do this for the community.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence saying 'The village community organizes a festival.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence saying 'We financed the project jointly.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence saying 'The EU is a community of values.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence saying 'He is an important member of the community.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence using the word 'Schicksalsgemeinschaft'.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence contrasting Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'We are a community.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'I like the community.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'The people in the community are nice.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'He is looking for a WG.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'The international community helps.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'It is a religious community.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'The cohesion of the community is strong.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'They form a community of interest.'

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence using 'Bedarfsgemeinschaft'.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence using 'Gesamthandsgemeinschaft'.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'The community' in German.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'We are a community' in German.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'I live in a shared apartment' using the full word for WG.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'For the community' in German.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'The international community' in German.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'We do this jointly' using the adjective form.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'A community of values' in German.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Member of the community' in German.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Pronounce 'Schicksalsgemeinschaft' clearly.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Explain the difference between Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft briefly.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'A good community'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'The communities' (plural).

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'In the community'.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Village community'.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'School community'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Religious community'.

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¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Community of interest'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'To strengthen the community'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Bedarfsgemeinschaft'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say 'Gesamthandsgemeinschaft'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: Die Gemeinschaft ist groß.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: Wir sind eine Gemeinschaft.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: Ich suche eine WG.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: Für die Gemeinschaft.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: Die internationale Gemeinschaft.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: Wir arbeiten gemeinschaftlich.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: Europa ist eine Wertegemeinschaft.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: Ein Mitglied der Gemeinschaft.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: Die Schicksalsgemeinschaft.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: Gemeinschaft und Gesellschaft.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: Eine gute Gemeinschaft.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: Die Dorfgemeinschaft feiert.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: Die Glaubensgemeinschaft.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: Die Interessengemeinschaft.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and write: Die Bedarfsgemeinschaft.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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