According to a humorous saying from the 19th century, the moment three Germans meet, they immediately form a ”Verein”, or an association. (Treffen sich drei Deutsche, gründen sie einen Verein’’).
In the heart of German civil society, Vereine (associations) play a crucial role in shaping communities, organizing events, and fostering a sense of belonging. Whether you are interested in sports, culture, or social causes, there’s likely a Verein for you.
Are you a Vereinsmeier?
Wanderlust, Fernweh, Fahrvergnügen – there are many words in the German language that one can’t translate into English. Many of them also describe some basic German virtues.
But a Vereinsmeier does more than that: He (or she) lives the Verein – or better, even more than just one. You can find a Verein for almost everything in Germany, and some would even say you are not a real German if you are not a member of at least one.
Who Can Join a Verein?
The answer is simple – everyone! Germany boasts around 600,000 Vereine. From parents’ councils and local sports clubs to choirs and allocation committees, the diversity of Vereine reflects the varied interests and needs of the German populace.
The oldest known social club, La Court de Bonne Compagnie, was founded in London in 1413, established by devout Templars with a focus on “charitable causes.” During the Middle Ages and Early Modern period, societies or clubs emerged to advocate for the professional interests of craft and merchant guilds.
“Eingetragener Verein” (Registered Associations)
The term “eingetragener Verein” (registered association) holds significant legal weight in Germany. Abbreviated as e.V., this status elevates a Verein from a mere group of individuals to a juridical person. This distinction comes with various legal benefits, including the ability to apply for charitable organization status.
To be officially recognized as a registered association, there must be a minimum of seven members, and the legal status must be reflected in the association’s name. Interestingly, the largest associations can boast over a million members, showcasing the widespread impact and influence of these registered entities in German society.
The Best-Known Kind of Verein
This might be the Fußballverein (football club). It is of course also possible in Germany to play soccer outside a club, but almost everybody who likes to score goals not only in the yard but on a real field will sooner or later be at a point when he or she joins a Fußballverein.
In this example, it becomes apparent what’s the difference between a Verein and just a loose group of people doing the same stuff together. A real Verein is “eingetragen,” which means it has been officially registered and thus has the letters e.V. at the end of its official name (as you can see, for example, the former logo of FC Bayern München e.V. that was used until 1996.
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If you become a member in such an association in Germany, you have to come together at least once a year to vote for a chairman, a cashier, and you also have to participate in the activities of the Verein. So, you’d best be ready!
Famous types of Vereine
One of the most “notorious” Verein is the Schützenverein (Shooting Club). There are not only uncountable Schützenvereine in Germany, but it is also the one with the most current clichés about the members and the tradition.
Shooting is very restricted in Germany and therefore, most of the shooters use air guns. But mostly it’s not about shooting at all; it is the kind of tradition that comes with joining such a Schützenverein. The annual presentation of the most successful shooter, the Schützenkönig (King of the Shooters) is at least as important as the gatherings like the Schützenfest that comes with the “crowning” of the King.
Many of them are not only for pleasure but for helping others or the members. Selbsthilfevereine (self-help associations) for example can help alcoholics or other addicts with their problems by coming together with other affected persons. Also, Junggesellenvereine (bachelor associations) exist where singles gather to have fun or even to have the opportunity to find somebody to love.
There are also associations that are a bit bizarre. For example, the snuffing or smoking clubs that also organize competitions in snuffing or smoking. If you take great pride in your beard or mustache, you may consider trying to become a member of one of the numerous associations across the country dedicated to creative facial hair, such as Belle Moustache e.V.
Since these organizations are dedicated to specific shared interests, they can be a great way to make new friends and meet new people. We’ve also written about more ways to make friends in Germany
The VENRO Non-Governmental Organization
VENRO serves as the overarching body for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) engaged in development and humanitarian efforts in Germany. Established in 1995, this popular association comprises approximately 140 organizations, each with a focus on independent and church-affiliated development cooperation, humanitarian aid, development education, public relations, and advocacy.
FAQs about Vereines
Here are some of the questions people ask about the concept of ‘Vereine’.
What is a Verein in Germany?
A Verein in Germany is an association or club, typically formed for non-profit purposes. It serves as a legal structure for groups of individuals to come together and pursue shared interests, activities, or goals.
What is the legal form of a Verein?
The legal form of a Verein is governed by the German Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch or BGB). It is a registered association (eingetragener Verein or e.V.), and members enjoy limited liability. This legal structure allows Vereine to engage in various activities, from sports and cultural endeavors to charitable work.
What is the largest Verein (registered association) in Germany?
Identifying the largest Verein in Germany can vary depending on criteria such as membership size, activities, or financial metrics. As of the latest available data, ADAC (“Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club e.V.” or the German Automobile Club) is Germany’s largest association, boasting a membership of over 20 million individuals.
What is the Association of German Social Welfare Organisations?
The Association of German Social Welfare Organisations (Arbeiterwohlfahrt or AWO) is a prominent Verein in Germany dedicated to social welfare and charitable work. Established in 1919, it operates as a non-profit organization, providing a range of social services and advocating for social justice and equality.
What does “Mitgliederversammlung” mean?
“Mitgliederversammlung” is a German term that translates to “members’ assembly” or “general meeting,” or ”general assembly.”
Summing Up: Get to Know the Vereine – Associations in Germany
In Germany, Vereine represent a vital aspect of community engagement, uniting people with common interests and providing a legal framework for organized events and activities. There is, in fact, a Verein for everything. So if you are a Vereinsmeier yourself, make it to Germany. If you’d like to learn more about unique cultural features of Germany like Vereine, come check out our SmarterGerman blog!