gemeinschaft

American  

[guh-mahyn-shahft] / gəˈmaɪnˌʃɑft /

noun

(often initial capital letter)

plural

gemeinschaften

1. an association of individuals having sentiments, tastes, and attitudes in common; fellowship.

2. Sociology. a society or group characterized chiefly by a strong sense of common identity, close personal relationships, and an attachment to traditional and sentimental concerns.

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gemeinschaft British  

/ ɡəˈmainʃaft /

noun

1. (often capital) a social group united by common beliefs, family ties, etc Compare gesellschaft

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Etymology

Origin of gemeinschaft

1935–40; < German: community, equivalent to gemein common + -schaft -ship

Compare meaning

How does gemeinschaft compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• gemeinschaft vs. gesellschaft

Example Sentences

The interviews touch on the importance of escapism and an artistic Gemeinschaft—a community—in the face of terrorism and turmoil.

From Economist

There are many ways to capture this massive failure, but I’d rely on the old sociological distinction between Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft.

From Seattle Times

All across the world, we have masses of voters who live in a world of Gemeinschaft: where relationships are personal, organic and fused by particular affections.

From Seattle Times

It was the right moment for Trump, the ultimate Gemeinschaft man.

From Seattle Times

A tiny bullet-shaped laser in his hip, pried out by the doctor’s scalpel, projects onto the wall an account number from the Gemeinschaft Bank in Zurich, Switzerland.

From Slate