Gesellschaft
/ɡəˈzɛlʃaft/feminine
The German word for society is Gesellschaft.
Gesellschaft is used to refer to the people of one's country or community as a whole in a sociological sense. It is also used to describe the act of social interaction or companionship.
Meaning: people of one’s country or community as a whole (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Gesellschaft means 'society' in a sociological sense, it can also mean 'company' or 'companionship' in the sense of being in someone's presence.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Gesellschaft is die Gesellschaften.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈzɛlʃaft/
Did you know?
- In a business context, Gesellschaft is the standard term for a legal company or corporation, such as a Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH).
- The term Geselle is still used today in the German apprenticeship system to describe a skilled worker who has completed their training, a term quite different from 'society'.
- German speakers use the verb gesellschaftlich to describe things that are 'social' in a systemic way, whereas sozial often refers to social welfare or interpersonal kindness.
Examples in context
- Die Gesellschaft ändert sich.Society is changing.This sentence shows how to express that society is changing using Gesellschaft.Tatoeba #3847477 by Esperantostern, translation #2423889 by AlanF_US
- Die Gesellschaft ist gespalten.Society is divided.This sentence illustrates how to say that society is divided using Gesellschaft.Tatoeba #1637228 by al_ex_an_der, translation #4731139 by Kerbear832
- Wir leben in einer Gesellschaft.We live in a society.This sentence shows how to say we live in a society using Gesellschaft.Tatoeba #8328273 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7958052 by shekitten
- Die deutsche Gesellschaft ist vielfältig.German society is diverse.
- Unsere Gesellschaft legt Wert auf Bildung.Our society values education.
- Die Veränderungen in unserer Gesellschaft sind bedeutsam.The changes in our society are significant.
- Das soziale Gefüge unserer GesellschaftThe social fabric of our society
- 79 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are discussing social changes.
- LauraWas erwartet die Gesellschaft heute von uns?What does society expect from us today?
- FelixIch glaube, dass die Gesellschaft offener wird.I believe that society is becoming more open.
- LauraDas ist ein wichtiger Teil der Gesellschaft.That is an important part of society.
- FelixJa, Felix stimme dir vollkommen zu, Laura.Yes, I completely agree with you, Laura.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “society” translations and entries Gesellschaft, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
