German word

Gesellschaft

Pronunciation

IPA/gəˈzɛlʃaft/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsociety

Example

Die Gesellschaft verändert sich schnell.

Society is changing rapidly.

Illustration for Gesellschaft (society)

More examples

Viele Menschen leben in der Gesellschaft zusammen.

Many people live together in society.

Core concept

A circle of companions can grow into a lasting social body or a formal company.

Common phrases

  • in der Gesellschaft leben

    live in society

  • Teil der Gesellschaft sein

    be part of society

Similar words

Gemeinschaft: A close-knit community bound by personal ties or shared daily life.
Firma: A registered business that sells goods or services.
Unternehmen: An organized business conducting economic activity for profit.
Bevölkerung: All the people living in a particular region or country.

Definition in German

Gesellschaft bezeichnet sowohl das Zusammensein von Personen als auch eine organisierte Gruppe wie eine Firma oder Vereinigung.

Word origin

The word combines the older German noun Geselle, meaning companion, with -schaft, a suffix that forms collective or abstract nouns.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 'in Gesellschaft sein' means to be in company or with other people, rather than to belong to society in the broad sense.

Other meanings

  • companynoun
  • organizationnoun
  • companionshipnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word