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B1 noun #3,000 le plus courant 12 min de lecture

der Bund

Top 3,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces der Bund en 30 secondes

Explication der Bund in your Level:

At the A1 level, you will mostly encounter der Bund in very concrete, everyday situations. The most common use for beginners is in the supermarket. When you go shopping for vegetables, you will see 'ein Bund Radieschen' (a bunch of radishes) or 'ein Bund Petersilie' (a bunch of parsley). In this context, it simply means a group of items tied together. Another A1-level word you might see is 'der Schlüsselbund' (the keychain). It is a combination of 'Schlüssel' (key) and 'Bund' (bunch). Even at this early stage, it is important to remember that the word is masculine: 'der Bund'. You might also hear it in very basic discussions about Germany as a country, specifically the term 'Bundesrepublik Deutschland', though you don't need to know the deep political details yet. Focus on the physical meaning of a 'bunch' or 'bundle' of things. This will help you build a solid foundation. Remember to use the correct article: 'der' for nominative, 'den' for accusative. For example, 'Ich kaufe den Bund Petersilie.' This simple usage is the building block for the more complex meanings you will learn later. Don't worry about the political or legal aspects yet; just think of things tied together in a neat package. By learning it this way, you connect the word to a physical image, which makes it much easier to remember. You might also notice it on clothing labels if you look closely at the word for waistband, but 'bunch of vegetables' is the most practical A1 application. Keep it simple and focus on these tangible objects.

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At the A2 level, you start to see der Bund used in slightly more abstract ways, though still related to everyday life. You might learn about the 'Bund der Ehe' (the bond of marriage) when talking about family and relationships. While 'Heirat' or 'Ehe' are more common, 'Bund' adds a layer of formal commitment. You will also encounter the word more frequently in the context of German geography and organization. You'll learn that Germany is a 'Bundesstaat' (federal state) and that there are 'Bundesländer' (federal states like Bavaria or Berlin). In this context, 'Bund' refers to the national level. You might hear people say 'beim Bund' when talking about jobs or military service, which is a common topic in A2 conversations about work and history. Understanding that 'Bund' represents the central authority helps you navigate news headlines and basic administrative tasks. You should also become comfortable with the plural form 'die Bünde', though you won't use it as often as the singular. Another practical use at A2 is in clothing; if you go shopping for trousers, you might need to know if the 'Bund' (waistband) is too tight or too loose. This expands your vocabulary for describing physical objects. You are moving from seeing 'Bund' as just a bunch of radishes to seeing it as a way to describe how parts of a country or parts of a life (like marriage) are joined together. It's a bridge from the concrete to the organizational. Practice using it in sentences like 'Die Bundesregierung ist der Bund' or 'Mein Schlüsselbund ist weg.' This will reinforce the masculine gender and the various contexts.

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At the B1 level, der Bund becomes a key term for understanding German society and politics. You are expected to know that 'der Bund' refers to the Federal Government of Germany. In discussions about current events, you will distinguish between the responsibilities of the 'Bund' and the 'Länder'. For example, you might read that 'Der Bund investiert in die Bahn' (The Federation is investing in the railway). This is a central part of the B1 curriculum regarding 'Staat und Gesellschaft'. You will also encounter the word in more formal collocations like 'einen Bund schließen' (to form an alliance or get married). This shows a higher level of linguistic sophistication. In B1, you should also be aware of the word's role in forming compound nouns, which are very common in German. Words like 'Bundestag', 'Bundesrat', and 'Bundeskanzler' all stem from this root. You are no longer just looking at a bunch of keys; you are looking at the structure of a nation. Additionally, you might explore the historical context of the word, such as the 'Deutscher Bund' of the 19th century, in your reading exercises. The word 'Bund' at this level represents a formal, legally recognized union. You should be able to use it in professional contexts, such as describing a partnership between two organizations. For example, 'Die beiden Vereine haben einen Bund für die Jugendarbeit geschlossen.' This level requires you to move fluidly between the physical bunch, the political federation, and the formal alliance. You should also be careful with prepositions, specifically 'beim Bund' for the military. Mastering 'der Bund' at B1 allows you to follow political news and participate in discussions about how Germany is organized and how formal agreements are made.

At the B2 level, your understanding of der Bund should include its more nuanced and literary applications. You will encounter the word in complex texts about law, history, and philosophy. In legal contexts, 'Bund' is used to describe the distribution of power ('Kompetenzverteilung zwischen Bund und Ländern'). You will need to understand how federal law ('Bundesrecht') takes precedence over state law. In literature, 'der Bund' might be used metaphorically to describe a secret society or a deep, spiritual connection between characters. You should also be familiar with idioms like 'im Bunde mit jemandem sein' (to be in league with someone), which adds a descriptive flair to your speaking and writing. At this level, you can distinguish between 'Bund' and similar words like 'Bündnis', 'Allianz', or 'Vereinigung' based on the register and specific context. For instance, you would know that 'Bündnis' is more appropriate for a formal treaty between nations, while 'Bund' is better for the internal structure of a federation. You will also see 'Bund' used in the names of large interest groups, like 'Bund der Steuerzahler' (Taxpayers' Association), and you should understand why 'Bund' is chosen over 'Verein' to imply a more significant, national presence. Your vocabulary should also include more technical compound words like 'Bundeshaushalt' (federal budget) or 'Bundesverfassungsgericht' (Federal Constitutional Court). At B2, 'der Bund' is not just a word but a concept that encapsulates the entire federalist identity of Germany. You should be able to write essays discussing the advantages and disadvantages of a 'Bund' versus a centralized state. Your usage should be precise, reflecting an understanding of the word's formal and administrative weight.

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At the C1 level, der Bund is treated as a sophisticated tool for expressing complex organizational and philosophical ideas. You will analyze the word's etymological roots and its evolution from a physical tie to a political pillar of the German state. In academic writing, you might use 'Bund' to discuss the theory of federalism or the 'Bundestreue' (federal loyalty) between the state and its members. You will be expected to understand the subtle differences in tone when 'Bund' is used instead of 'Föderation' or 'Union'. For example, 'Bund' often carries a historical and organic connotation that 'Union' lacks. In high-level debates, you might encounter 'der Bund' in the context of international relations, such as the 'Völkerbund' (League of Nations), and be able to discuss its historical successes and failures. Your command of collocations should be near-native, using phrases like 'der Bund fürs Leben' not just as a fixed expression but as a point of departure for deeper discussion on the nature of commitment. You will also recognize the word in specialized fields; for instance, in musicology, discussing the 'Bünde' of a lute, or in theology, discussing the 'Alte Bund' (Old Covenant) versus the 'Neue Bund' (New Covenant). At C1, you should be able to appreciate the word's versatility across disparate domains—law, music, religion, and daily life—and use it with stylistic confidence. You will also be aware of the word's potential for irony or sarcasm in political commentary. Your ability to use 'der Bund' accurately in complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice with modal verbs or in the subjunctive II for hypothetical scenarios, should be well-developed. This level of mastery means you see 'der Bund' as a multifaceted diamond of the German language, reflecting different meanings depending on how you hold it to the light.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete, native-like mastery of der Bund. You understand not just its meanings, but its deep cultural and historical resonances. You can engage in high-level academic discussions about the 'Bundesstaatsprinzip' (the principle of the federal state) as a fundamental element of the German constitution. You are aware of the historical 'Bünde' of the Middle Ages, such as the Hanseatic League, and can discuss their impact on European trade and politics using the term 'Städtebund'. Your linguistic sensitivity allows you to use 'der Bund' in a way that perfectly matches the desired register, whether it's a formal legal brief, a poetic reflection on friendship, or a sharp political satire. You can interpret the word's use in classical German literature—from Goethe to Schiller—where it often symbolizes the highest form of human or divine agreement. At this level, you can also play with the word, using it in puns or creative writing that leverages its multiple meanings (e.g., a story where a 'Schlüsselbund' becomes a metaphor for a political 'Bund'). You are fully conversant with the most obscure idioms and historical references, and you can explain the nuances of the word to others. Your pronunciation is flawless, including the subtle glottal stop and the correct vowel length. You understand the word's role in the German collective subconscious as a symbol of both unity and the preservation of regional identity. Mastery at C2 means 'der Bund' is no longer a vocabulary item to be learned, but a part of your own expressive repertoire, used with the same ease and precision as a native speaker who has spent a lifetime immersed in the language and culture.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

der Bund en 30 secondes

A masculine noun meaning 'union', 'alliance', or 'federation', essentially anything 'bound' together.
Used physically for bunches (keys, radishes) and in clothing for the waistband of pants.
The standard term for the German Federal Government in political and legal contexts.
Refers to formal social bonds like marriage ('Bund der Ehe') or military service ('beim Bund').

The German noun der Bund is a versatile term that primarily denotes a union, alliance, or a formal bond between entities. At its core, it stems from the verb 'binden' (to bind), implying something that holds different parts together into a cohesive whole. In a political context, it refers to the 'Federation' or the central federal government of Germany, often contrasted with the individual states (die Länder). When you hear the news in Germany, 'der Bund' is frequently used as shorthand for the federal authorities in Berlin. However, the word's reach extends far beyond politics into the physical and social realms.

Political Entity: In the Federal Republic of Germany, 'der Bund' represents the national level of governance, handling matters like defense, foreign policy, and national infrastructure.

Die Aufgabenverteilung zwischen dem Bund und den Ländern ist im Grundgesetz geregelt.

Beyond the state, 'der Bund' is used to describe a bunch or a cluster of items that are tied together. A common example is 'ein Bund Radieschen' (a bunch of radishes) or 'ein Schlüsselbund' (a keychain). In these instances, the word maintains its literal meaning of a physical binding. Socially and romantically, the word carries a heavy, almost poetic weight. The phrase 'der Bund fürs Leben' refers specifically to marriage, suggesting a lifelong commitment that is legally and spiritually binding. In military slang, 'beim Bund' refers to serving in the Bundeswehr (the German Armed Forces). If a young person says, 'Ich bin jetzt beim Bund,' they are stating they are currently doing their military service. This wide range of meanings—from a bunch of vegetables to a national government to a sacred marriage—makes 'der Bund' a fascinating study in how German uses a single root to describe various forms of connection.

Sie schlossen einen Bund, um gemeinsam gegen die Ungerechtigkeit zu kämpfen.

Historically, the word is linked to the 'Heiliges Römisches Reich' and later the 'Deutscher Bund' (German Confederation), showing its deep roots in European organizational history. Whether you are at a grocery store, reading a legal document, or attending a wedding, you will encounter this word. It signifies a level of formality and permanence that words like 'Gruppe' or 'Menge' lack. It is not just a collection; it is a structured, often intentional, unification.

Physical Bunch: Commonly used for vegetables like onions, carrots, or herbs that are sold tied together.

Die Hose ist am Bund etwas zu eng.

Understanding 'der Bund' requires recognizing the context: Is it political, physical, or personal? Each context changes the English translation significantly, yet the underlying German concept of 'something bound together' remains constant. This consistency is a hallmark of German vocabulary development, where abstract concepts are often built directly upon physical actions.

Using der Bund correctly involves matching the specific meaning to the right grammatical structure. In its most common B1-level usage, it refers to the German Federal Government. In this sense, it is often used as a subject in political discussions. For example, 'Der Bund finanziert dieses Projekt' (The Federation/Federal Government is financing this project). Here, it functions as a singular masculine noun. When referring to a bunch of items, it is frequently followed by a noun in the genitive case or, more commonly in spoken German, the preposition 'von'.

Genitive Construction: Ein Bund frischer Kräuter (A bunch of fresh herbs). In formal writing, the genitive is preferred over 'von'.

Kaufst du bitte einen Bund Petersilie auf dem Markt?

If you are discussing alliances, you might use the verb 'schließen' (to close/conclude). 'Einen Bund schließen' means to form an alliance or to get married. This is a high-level collocation that sounds very sophisticated. For example, 'Zwei Firmen haben einen strategischen Bund geschlossen.' (Two companies have formed a strategic alliance). Another frequent usage is the phrase 'im Bunde mit', which means 'in league with' or 'allied with'. This often carries a slightly dramatic or literary tone. 'Er war im Bunde mit den Rebellen.' (He was in league with the rebels). In the context of clothing, you might say, 'Die Hose hat einen elastischen Bund.' (The pants have an elastic waistband). Here, the word describes the specific part of the garment.

Der Bund der Ehe gilt in vielen Kulturen als heilig.

Plural Usage: The plural is 'die Bünde'. It is used when referring to multiple alliances or multiple bunches of items, though 'Bündel' is sometimes used for physical piles.

In der Geschichte gab es viele verschiedene Bünde zwischen den Städten.

In academic or legal German, 'der Bund' is often used to distinguish between federal law (Bundesrecht) and state law (Landesrecht). 'Der Bund hat hier die Gesetzgebungskompetenz.' (The Federation has the legislative competence here). This demonstrates how a simple word for 'bunch' scales up to represent the highest level of legal authority in a nation. Finally, when using 'der Bund' in the sense of a waistband, it is almost always singular. 'Der Bund meiner Jeans ist zu weit.' (The waistband of my jeans is too wide). By mastering these different sentence structures, you can navigate from the kitchen to the courtroom with ease.

You will encounter der Bund in a variety of real-world settings, each highlighting a different facet of its meaning. The most frequent place is in the news. German news anchors often start sentences with 'Der Bund plant...' or 'Der Bund und die Länder haben sich geeinigt...'. In this context, it is the standard way to refer to the central government's actions. If you live in Germany, you will see it on official documents, tax forms (Bundesschatzanweisung), and even on the side of government vehicles.

Daily News: 'Tagesschau' or 'ZDF Heute' will use 'der Bund' daily to describe federal policy decisions.

Nach langen Verhandlungen hat der Bund das neue Klimapaket verabschiedet.

Another common setting is the supermarket or the local farmers' market ('Wochenmarkt'). When buying produce, you will see signs saying '1 Bund Radieschen 0,99€' or 'Ein Bund Suppengrün'. Here, the word is completely devoid of political weight and simply describes how the vegetables are packaged. You might also hear it in casual conversations among young adults. If someone mentions they are 'beim Bund', they are talking about their time in the military. While conscription is currently suspended in Germany, many people still choose voluntary service, and the term remains the go-to slang for the army.

Mein Bruder war zwei Jahre beim Bund und hat dort viel gelernt.

In the world of fashion and shopping, you'll hear it in fitting rooms. A sales assistant might ask, 'Ist die Hose am Bund bequem?' (Is the waistband of the pants comfortable?). This usage is very specific to clothing and is something you'll need when shopping for clothes in Germany.

Religious and Literary Contexts: In the Bible, 'der Bund' refers to the covenant between God and humanity. This gives the word a deeply spiritual connotation in religious services.

Gott schloss einen Bund mit seinem Volk.

Lastly, you'll hear it in the names of various organizations. 'Der Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland' (BUND) is one of the largest environmental NGOs in the country. Here, the word functions like 'league' or 'federation' in English. By paying attention to these different environments, you'll quickly learn to distinguish which 'Bund' is being discussed.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing der Bund with its close relatives: 'das Band' and 'die Band'. While they all look similar and share historical roots, their meanings and genders are distinct. 'Das Band' (neuter) refers to a physical ribbon, a tape, or a metaphorical bond (like family ties). 'Die Band' (feminine, pronounced like the English word) refers to a musical group. Using the wrong gender—for instance, saying 'die Bund'—will immediately signal to a native speaker that you are still learning.

Gender Confusion: Incorrect: Ich arbeite für die Bund. Correct: Ich arbeite für den Bund (masculine accusative).

Verwechsle nie den Bund (Federation) mit dem Band (Ribbon).

Another mistake involves the plural. The plural of 'der Bund' is 'die Bünde'. Learners often try to use 'die Bunds' (influenced by English) or 'die Bunde' (forgetting the Umlaut). While 'Bunde' was used in older German, the modern standard requires the Umlaut. In the context of the military, a common error is using the wrong preposition. You are 'beim Bund' (at the Federation), not 'in dem Bund' or 'mit dem Bund'. Using 'in' makes it sound like you are inside a physical bunch of something, which is nonsensical.

Er hat seinen Dienst beim Bund bereits beendet.

Semantic Nuance: Avoid using 'Bund' for a group of friends. Use 'Clique', 'Kreis', or 'Gruppe'. 'Bund' implies a level of formal agreement that friendship usually doesn't have.

Additionally, when shopping for vegetables, make sure to use 'ein Bund' and not 'ein Paket' or 'eine Packung' for things like radishes or parsley. A 'Paket' is a package sent via mail, and a 'Packung' is a box or pack (like a pack of cigarettes). Using the wrong word here won't cause total confusion, but it will sound unnatural.

Ich habe meinen Schlüsselbund im Auto vergessen.

Finally, in the context of clothing, remember that 'Bund' is the waist area. Don't confuse it with 'Gürtel' (belt). You wear a 'Gürtel' around the 'Bund'. Mistaking these two might lead to funny looks at a tailor shop. By keeping these distinctions in mind—gender, pluralization, specific prepositions, and semantic boundaries—you will avoid the most common pitfalls associated with this word.

To truly master der Bund, it is helpful to compare it with other German words that mean 'union', 'group', or 'alliance'. The most direct synonym for a political alliance is 'das Bündnis'. While 'der Bund' can mean the alliance itself, 'das Bündnis' is the more specific term for a pact between countries or parties. For example, 'das Militärbündnis' (military alliance).

Bund vs. Bündnis: 'Bund' often refers to the organization or the state entity (The Federation), whereas 'Bündnis' refers to the treaty or the act of allying.

Die NATO ist ein mächtiges Bündnis, während die Bundesrepublik ein Bund von Staaten ist.

Another word often confused with 'Bund' is 'der Verein' (association). A 'Verein' is a registered club or non-profit organization, like a local sports club (Sportverein). While 'Bund' can be used in the names of large national organizations, 'Verein' is the standard word for any smaller, local group. Then there is 'der Verband' (association/federation). This is typically used for professional or trade associations, such as 'der Automobilverband' (automobile association). It implies a professional or functional grouping rather than a political or spiritual one.

Er trug ein schweres Bündel Holz auf dem Rücken.

In the context of marriage, you might hear 'die Ehe' or 'die Vermählung'. 'Der Bund der Ehe' is more formal and poetic. If you are talking about a casual partnership, you would use 'die Partnerschaft' or 'die Beziehung'.

Allianz: 'Die Allianz' is often used in business (e.g., airline alliances) or historical contexts (e.g., the Holy Alliance). It sounds more international than 'Bund'.

Die Firmen bildeten eine Allianz, um den Markt zu dominieren.

Lastly, consider 'die Vereinigung' (unification/union). This is most famously used in 'die Wiedervereinigung' (The Reunification of Germany). It describes the process of becoming one, whereas 'Bund' describes the resulting structure. By understanding these nuances, you can choose the word that best fits the level of formality and the specific type of connection you want to describe.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word originally referred only to physical items tied together, but by the 13th century, it was already being used for political alliances.

Guide de prononciation

UK /bʊnt/

US /bʊnt/

Single syllable, so the stress is on the only vowel.

Rime avec

gesund Mund Rund Pfund Hund Grund Fund Schlund

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'd' as a soft 'd' like in English 'bond'. In German, final 'd' sounds like 't'.
Making the 'u' too long like in 'moon'. It should be short like in 'put'.
Confusing it with the English word 'band'.
Not pronouncing the final 't' clearly.
Misgendering the word and affecting the surrounding adjectives.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize in context, but requires understanding political structures.

Écriture 4/5

Must remember the masculine gender and the plural 'Bünde'.

Expression orale 3/5

Pronunciation is simple, but prepositions like 'beim' must be correct.

Écoute 3/5

Common in news; easy to pick out once you know it refers to the government.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

binden Land Regierung Schlüssel Hose

Apprends ensuite

Bündnis Bundeskanzler Föderalismus Gesetzgebung Verfassung

Avancé

Bundestreue Bündnisfall Staatenbund Bundesverfassungsgericht

Grammaire à connaître

Final Devoicing

The 'd' in 'Bund' is pronounced as 't'.

Compound Noun Gender

The gender of 'Schlüsselbund' is determined by 'Bund' (masculine).

Dative after 'beim'

beim Bund (bei + dem).

Genitive Case for Possession

Der Bund der Ehe.

Plural Umlaut

The plural 'Bünde' adds an umlaut to the 'u'.

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Exemples par niveau

Ich kaufe einen Bund Karotten.

I am buying a bunch of carrots.

Accusative masculine: einen Bund.

Wo ist mein Schlüsselbund?

Where is my keychain?

Compound noun: Schlüssel + Bund.

Das ist ein Bund Petersilie.

That is a bunch of parsley.

Nominative masculine: ein Bund.

Ein Bund Zwiebeln kostet zwei Euro.

A bunch of onions costs two euros.

Subject of the sentence.

Hast du den Bund Radieschen?

Do you have the bunch of radishes?

Accusative masculine: den Bund.

Ich brauche einen Bund Schnittlauch.

I need a bunch of chives.

Verb 'brauchen' takes accusative.

Der Bund ist groß.

The bunch is big.

Simple subject-predicate.

Hier ist dein Schlüsselbund.

Here is your keychain.

Possessive pronoun: dein.

Er arbeitet jetzt beim Bund.

He is working for the army now.

Preposition 'bei' + dative 'dem' = beim.

Die Hose ist am Bund zu weit.

The pants are too wide at the waistband.

Preposition 'an' + dative 'dem' = am.

Sie wollen den Bund der Ehe schließen.

They want to enter into the bond of marriage.

Phrase: Bund der Ehe.

Der Bund hilft den Menschen.

The Federation helps the people.

Bund as the federal government.

Wir sind im Bund mit unseren Nachbarn.

We are in league with our neighbors.

Prepositional phrase: im Bund mit.

Dieser Rock hat einen Gummizug im Bund.

This skirt has an elastic in the waistband.

Dative case after 'in'.

Mein Bruder war beim Bund.

My brother was in the army.

Colloquial use for Bundeswehr.

Ein Bund Blumen für dich.

A bunch of flowers for you.

Accusative object.

Der Bund trägt die Kosten für die Autobahn.

The Federation bears the costs for the highway.

Bund as the national authority.

Die Verhandlungen zwischen Bund und Ländern dauern an.

The negotiations between the Federation and the states continue.

Common political pairing: Bund und Länder.

Wir müssen einen Bund für die Zukunft schließen.

We must form an alliance for the future.

Abstract use of alliance.

Der Bund hat ein neues Gesetz verabschiedet.

The Federation has passed a new law.

Perfect tense with 'haben'.

Er fühlt sich dem Bund verpflichtet.

He feels committed to the alliance.

Dative object of 'verpflichtet'.

Das ist eine Aufgabe für den Bund.

That is a task for the Federation.

Preposition 'für' takes accusative.

Im Bund der Steuerzahler sind viele Bürger.

Many citizens are in the Taxpayers' Association.

Genitive 'der Steuerzahler'.

Der Bund hat die Steuern gesenkt.

The Federation has lowered taxes.

Bund as the tax authority.

Die Kompetenzen des Bundes sind im Grundgesetz festgelegt.

The powers of the Federation are defined in the Basic Law.

Genitive: des Bundes.

Sie sind im Bunde mit dunklen Mächten.

They are in league with dark powers.

Idiomatic 'im Bunde mit'.

Der Bund der Pfadfinder organisiert ein Lager.

The Scouts' Association is organizing a camp.

Organization name.

Diese Regelung gilt bundesweit.

This regulation applies nationwide.

Adverbial use of the root.

Der Bund muss die Schuldenbremse einhalten.

The Federation must adhere to the debt brake.

Specific political term.

Ein Bund fürs Leben ist eine große Verantwortung.

A bond for life is a great responsibility.

Fixed expression for marriage.

Die Bünde der Gitarre müssen sauber sein.

The frets of the guitar must be clean.

Plural: die Bünde.

Der Bund hat die Souveränität über den Luftraum.

The Federation has sovereignty over the airspace.

Legal/political terminology.

Die Bundestreue gebietet ein rücksichtsvolles Verhalten der Länder.

Federal loyalty dictates considerate behavior by the states.

Advanced legal concept.

Der Völkerbund war der Vorläufer der Vereinten Nationen.

The League of Nations was the precursor to the United Nations.

Historical term.

In seinem Roman beschreibt er einen geheimen Bund.

In his novel, he describes a secret society.

Literary context.

Der Bund der Vertriebenen setzt sich für die Interessen der Betroffenen ein.

The Federation of Expellees advocates for the interests of those affected.

Specific historical/social group.

Er spielt die Melodie in den höheren Bünden der Geige.

He plays the melody in the higher positions (frets) of the violin.

Musical technicality.

Der Bund hat die Gesetzgebungskompetenz in diesem Bereich.

The Federation has the legislative competence in this area.

Formal administrative language.

Das Alte Testament beschreibt den Bund Gottes mit Abraham.

The Old Testament describes God's covenant with Abraham.

Theological term.

Die Bünde zwischen den Hansestädten waren ökonomisch motiviert.

The alliances between the Hanseatic cities were economically motivated.

Plural historical usage.

Die föderale Ordnung des Bundes ist unantastbar.

The federal order of the Federation is inviolable.

Constitutional law term.

Er reflektiert über den Bund als metaphysische Kategorie.

He reflects on the 'bond' as a metaphysical category.

Philosophical register.

Die Divergenz zwischen Bund und Ländern führt oft zu politischen Blockaden.

The divergence between the Federation and the states often leads to political deadlocks.

High-level political analysis.

Der Bund der Gerechten war eine frühsozialistische Organisation.

The League of the Just was an early socialist organization.

Specific historical reference.

In der Lyrik des Barock wird der Bund oft als Symbol der Beständigkeit verwendet.

In Baroque poetry, the bond is often used as a symbol of constancy.

Literary analysis.

Die fiskalische Autonomie des Bundes steht zur Debatte.

The fiscal autonomy of the Federation is under debate.

Economic/political terminology.

Dieser völkerrechtliche Bund ist für die Region von immenser Bedeutung.

This international law alliance is of immense importance for the region.

International law context.

Die architektonische Gestaltung des Bundesviertels in Bonn ist bemerkenswert.

The architectural design of the federal district in Bonn is remarkable.

Geographical/architectural reference.

Collocations courantes

einen Bund schließen

der Bund und die Länder

beim Bund sein

ein Bund Radieschen

im Bunde mit

der Bund der Ehe

ein Schlüsselbund

elastischer Bund

der Bund Gottes

bundesweit

Phrases Courantes

Bund fürs Leben

— A lifelong commitment, usually referring to marriage.

Sie haben den Bund fürs Leben geschlossen.

im Bunde sein

— To be allied or in league with someone.

Die beiden Firmen sind im Bunde gegen die Konkurrenz.

beim Bund

— In the German military (Bundeswehr).

Er hat zwei Jahre beim Bund gedient.

den Bund lockern

— To loosen an alliance or a physical waistband.

Nach dem Essen musste er den Bund seiner Hose lockern.

ein Bund Petersilie

— A standard unit for buying fresh herbs.

Bitte bringen Sie einen Bund Petersilie mit.

Bund der Steuerzahler

— A famous German association representing taxpayers.

Der Bund der Steuerzahler kritisiert die Verschwendung.

Heiliger Bund

— A specific historical alliance (Holy Alliance).

Der Heilige Bund wurde 1815 gegründet.

Bund der Pfadfinder

— The Scouts' association.

Er ist Mitglied im Bund der Pfadfinder.

enger Bund

— A close alliance or bond.

Sie verbindet ein enger Bund der Freundschaft.

loser Bund

— A loose association or connection.

Es war nur ein loser Bund von Künstlern.

Souvent confondu avec

der Bund vs das Band

Means ribbon or bond (neuter). 'Der Bund' is a union or bunch (masculine).

der Bund vs die Band

Means a music group (feminine, English pronunciation).

der Bund vs das Bündel

Means a bundle or pile, often messy. 'Bund' is usually neatly tied.

Expressions idiomatiques

"im Bunde mit dem Teufel sein"

— To do something suspiciously well or to be evil.

Er spielt so gut Klavier, als wäre er im Bunde mit dem Teufel.

figurative

"den Bund fürs Leben schließen"

— To get married.

Nächste Woche schließen sie den Bund fürs Leben.

formal/poetic

"Dritter im Bunde sein"

— To be the third person to join a group or situation.

Zwei Freunde gingen ins Kino, und ich war der Dritte im Bunde.

informal

"mit jemandem im Bunde stehen"

— To be secretly allied with someone.

Der Spion stand im Bunde mit dem Feind.

literary

"den Bund der Ehe eingehen"

— A very formal way to say 'get married'.

Sie sind den Bund der Ehe eingegangen.

very formal

"beim Bund"

— Serving in the military.

Er ist gerade beim Bund.

colloquial

"ein Bund fürs Leben"

— A lifelong partnership.

Unsere Freundschaft ist ein Bund fürs Leben.

emotive

"im Bunde sein"

— Working together towards a common goal.

Alle Beteiligten waren im Bunde, um das Projekt zu retten.

neutral

"der ewige Bund"

— The eternal covenant (often religious).

Der ewige Bund zwischen Gott und Mensch.

religious

"fester Bund"

— A solid, unbreakable alliance.

Sie haben einen festen Bund gegen die Tyrannei geschlossen.

literary

Facile à confondre

der Bund vs Bündnis

Both mean alliance.

Bündnis is more for treaties; Bund is for the entity or organization.

Ein Bündnis zwischen Staaten; der Bund als Staat.

der Bund vs Verein

Both are groups.

Verein is a local club; Bund is a larger, often national federation.

Fußballverein vs. Bund der Steuerzahler.

der Bund vs Verband

Both are associations.

Verband is usually professional/industrial; Bund is political/social.

Ärzteverband vs. Bund der Pfadfinder.

der Bund vs Gürtel

Both relate to the waist.

Gürtel is the belt; Bund is the part of the pants the belt goes around.

Der Gürtel passt durch den Bund.

der Bund vs Menge

Both mean a group of things.

Menge is an unstructured amount; Bund is tied together.

Eine Menge Leute vs. ein Bund Schlüssel.

Structures de phrases

Ich habe einen Bund [Noun].

Ich habe einen Bund Karotten.

Er ist beim Bund.

Der Bund entscheidet über [Accusative].

Der Bund entscheidet über die Steuern.

Sie schließen einen Bund für [Accusative].

Sie schließen einen Bund für die Zukunft.

Die Kompetenz liegt beim Bund.

Im Bunde mit [Dative] sein.

Er ist im Bunde mit dem Teufel.

Der Bund der [Genitive Plural] fordert [Accusative].

Der Bund der Steuerzahler fordert Senkungen.

Die Bundestreue verpflichtet zu [Dative].

Die Bundestreue verpflichtet zu Kooperation.

Famille de mots

Noms

Bündnis

Bündel

Bündelung

Bundesland

Bundestag

Bundesrat

Bundeskanzler

Bundeswehr

Schlüsselbund

Hosenbund

Verbes

binden

verbünden

bündeln

anbinden

entbinden

Adjectifs

bündig

bundesweit

verbündet

gebunden

bündnisfähig

Apparenté

Band

Binde

Bindung

Verband

Verbindung

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very frequent in news, shopping, and legal contexts.

Erreurs courantes

die Bund → der Bund
Using the feminine article is a common error. 'Bund' is always masculine.
in dem Bund → beim Bund
When referring to the military, the correct preposition is 'bei'.
die Bunde → die Bünde
The plural requires an umlaut.
das Bund Radieschen → ein Bund Radieschen
Using the neuter article is incorrect; it must be masculine.
der Bündnis → das Bündnis
Confusing the gender of the synonym 'Bündnis' (neuter) with 'Bund' (masculine).

Astuces

Gender Tip

Associate 'der Bund' with 'der Staat' (the state) to remember it is masculine.

Root Word

Remember 'binden' (to bind). A 'Bund' is simply something that has been bound.

Political Context

When reading the news, 'der Bund' almost always refers to the federal government in Berlin.

Market Tip

Look for the word 'Bund' on price tags for herbs and root vegetables.

Guitar Tip

If you play guitar, the frets are called 'Bünde'. This helps you remember the plural.

Slang Tip

'Beim Bund' is very common; you'll hear it in many German movies and series.

Fitting Tip

If pants are too tight, say 'Der Bund ist zu eng'.

Historical Tip

The 'Deutscher Bund' was a collection of states, helping you remember the 'union' meaning.

Final Letter

It ends in 'd', but sounds like 't'. Think of 'bund-le' in English to remember the 'd'.

Wedding Tip

'Bund der Ehe' is a great phrase to use in a formal wedding card.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Bunch' of things 'Bound' together. 'Bund' sounds like 'bond' and both mean a connection.

Association visuelle

Visualize a keychain (Schlüsselbund) or a bunch of radishes (Bund Radieschen) to remember the 'grouping' aspect.

Word Web

binden Bündnis Bundeskanzler Schlüsselbund Hosenbund Bündel verbünden bundesweit

Défi

Try to use 'der Bund' in three different ways in one paragraph: as a bunch of vegetables, as the government, and as a waistband.

Origine du mot

From Middle High German 'bunt', and Old High German 'bund'. It is the noun form of the verb 'binden' (to bind).

Sens originel : Something that is tied or bound together.

Germanic, related to English 'bond' and 'bundle'.

Contexte culturel

While 'beim Bund' is common, remember that military service is a sensitive topic for some in Germany due to 20th-century history.

English speakers might use 'federation' or 'union', but 'the Bund' is more pervasive in daily German speech than 'the federation' is in English.

Der Bund (Swiss newspaper) Bundestag (German Parliament) Der Bund der Gerechten (Communist League precursor)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Politics

Bund und Länder
Bundesregierung
Bundeshaushalt
Bundesgesetz

Shopping

ein Bund Radieschen
ein Bund Kräuter
Was kostet der Bund?
frischer Bund

Military

beim Bund sein
zum Bund gehen
Dienst beim Bund
Bundeswehr

Clothing

am Bund zu eng
elastischer Bund
Hosenbund
Rockbund

Marriage

Bund fürs Leben
Bund der Ehe
den Bund schließen
heiliger Bund

Amorces de conversation

"Was hältst du von der aktuellen Politik des Bundes?"

"Warst du eigentlich mal beim Bund oder hast du Zivildienst gemacht?"

"Kaufst du deine Kräuter lieber im Bund oder im Topf?"

"Ist der Bund deiner Hose auch oft zu eng nach dem Essen?"

"Glaubst du noch an den klassischen Bund fürs Leben?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe die Aufgabenverteilung zwischen dem Bund und den Ländern in deinem Heimatland.

Erinnere dich an eine Situation, in der du einen wichtigen Bund oder eine Allianz geschlossen hast.

Warum ist der Schlüsselbund oft ein Symbol für Verantwortung?

Schreibe über die Bedeutung des 'Bundes fürs Leben' in der heutigen Gesellschaft.

Stelle dir vor, du arbeitest beim Bund. Wie sähe dein Arbeitsalltag aus?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is masculine: 'der Bund'. This is consistent across all its meanings.

The plural is 'die Bünde'. Don't forget the umlaut on the 'u'!

No, it depends on context. It can mean a bunch of keys, a waistband, or military service.

It is a common way to say someone is doing their military service in the Bundeswehr.

They are related, but 'Bündnis' is usually the treaty/act, while 'Bund' is the organization/entity.

It sounds very formal or old-fashioned. 'Clique' or 'Freundeskreis' is better.

It is the German word for a keychain or a ring of keys.

You use it as a measure for tied vegetables, e.g., 'ein Bund Petersilie'.

It is a poetic and formal way to refer to marriage.

Yes, in Switzerland, 'der Bund' also refers to the federal level of government.

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