German word

Geselligkeit

Pronunciation

IPA/gəˈzɛlɪçkaɪ̯t/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsociability

Example

Die Geselligkeit der Kollegen macht die Arbeit angenehmer.

The colleagues' sociability makes work more pleasant.

Illustration for Geselligkeit (sociability)

More examples

Beim Sommerfest entwickelte sich sofort Geselligkeit unter den Nachbarn.

At the summer festival, a convivial atmosphere quickly arose among the neighbors.

Core concept

An open circle of colleagues enjoying relaxed conversation and a friendly sense of belonging.

Common phrases

  • auf Geselligkeit Wert legen

    value sociability

  • lockere Geselligkeit

    informal sociability

Similar words

Gesellschaft: The presence of others as companions or members of a social circle.
Beisammensein: Time spent together in the same place as a group.
Gesprächigkeit: A tendency to talk readily and often with others.
Gemütlichkeit: A comfortable, welcoming atmosphere that encourages relaxation.

Definition in German

Die Neigung und Fähigkeit, gern mit anderen zusammen zu sein und freundliche, vertraute Kontakte zu pflegen.

Word origin

The adjective gesellig is built from Geselle, 'companion', with -ig, and Geselligkeit adds -keit to name the resulting quality.

Usage tips

  • German uses Geselligkeit for both a person's sociable quality and the convivial atmosphere of a group, not only for a gathering itself.

Other meanings

  • fellowshipnoun
  • convivialitynoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Geselligkeitskreiscircle for socializingnoun

Word lists with this word