Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gemeinschaft | /ɡəˈmaɪ̯nʃaft/ (Germany) /ɡ̊eˈmaɪ̯nʃaft/ |
feminine |
| Gesellschaft | /ɡəˈzɛlʃaft/ | feminine |
| Community | /kɔˈmjuːnɪti/ | Internet, feminine |
This term describes a group sharing a common understanding. Depending on the context, you may also use Gesellschaft to refer to a wider society or the English loanword Community for digital contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
Gemeinschaft is composed of gemein (common or shared) and the suffix -schaft, which forms abstract nouns denoting a state or condition.
Which one should you use?
Gemeinschaft refers to an organic, close-knit community based on shared values or personal bonds. In contrast, Gesellschaft is used for a more impersonal, structured society, a large-scale social structure or a commercial company or association. Finally, Community is used specifically within the context of online groups, social media or digital subcultures.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Gesellschaft is a formal term for the wider societal community. For local administrative communities or municipalities, the formal term Gemeinde is used. In informal settings, you might use Bande to playfully refer to a close-knit group of friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Gemeinschaft is Gemeinschaften, and the plural form of Gesellschaft is Gesellschaften. All these terms are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈmaɪ̯nʃaft/
Did you know?
- The word gemein is the root of Gemeinschaft, but in modern German, gemein can also mean 'mean' or 'nasty' when describing a person.
- The distinction between Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft was popularized by sociologist Ferdinand Tönnies to describe the shift from traditional rural villages to modern urban industrial societies.
- The word Geselle is the root of Gesellschaft, and in English, it survives as the word 'fellow' in the sense of a companion or colleague.
Examples in context
- Tatoeba ist eine Gemeinschaft.Tatoeba is a community.This sentence shows how to use Gemeinschaft to identify a specific entity.Tatoeba #10025205 by sakslane, translation #10022612 by espamatics
- Sie tat es zum Wohle der Gesellschaft.She did it for the good of the community.This sentence demonstrates using Gesellschaft to describe an action done for the benefit of the wider community.Tatoeba #7712122 by wolfgangth, translation #315773 by mamat
- Die Gemeinschaft besteht aus Individuen.The community is made up of individuals.This sentence illustrates how Gemeinschaft is composed of individuals.Tatoeba #2139753 by Manfredo, translation #22386 by Zifre
- Die Gemeinschaft arbeitet zusammenThe community works together.
- Eine enge GemeindeA close-knit community.
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are talking about their local neighborhood.
- MaximilianWir haben eine sehr starke Gemeinschaft hier.We have a very strong community here.
- JuliaJa, die Nachbarn helfen sich immer gegenseitig.Yes, the neighbors always help each other.
- MaximilianDas Gefühl von Gemeinschaft ist mir wichtig.The feeling of community is important to me.
- JuliaMir auch, Maximilian. Das ist wirklich schön.Me too, Maximilian. That is really nice.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “community” translations and entries Gemeinschaft, Gesellschaft, Community, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Community, Gemeinschaft, Gesellschaft, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
