der  Verband

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/fɛɐ̯ˈbant/

🩹 What Exactly is a 'Verband'?

The word der Verband has several meanings, but it is always masculine in German.

• Medical e.g., Wundverband (wound dressing): Material (often gauze bandages, plasters) applied to protect or heal a wound. Example: Der Arzt legte einen sterilen Verband an. (The doctor applied a sterile dressing.)
• Association/Organization: A union of people, clubs, or companies pursuing common interests. Example: Der Verband der Automobilindustrie vertritt die Interessen seiner Mitglieder. (The Association of the Automotive Industry represents the interests of its members.)
• Military/Tactical: An organized group of units (soldiers, vehicles, aircraft). Example: Der Verband rückte in Formation vor. (The unit advanced in formation.)
• Context/Connection (less common, often in compounds): A connection or context. Example: Im Verband dieser Ereignisse... (In the context of these events... - rarely used as a standalone word like this)

🚨 Note: Although there are different meanings, the article always remains der.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Verband

The noun „Verband“ is masculine. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

1. (Medical) Der Verband muss täglich gewechselt werden.
   (The bandage must be changed daily.)
2. (Organization) Viele kleine Betriebe sind in diesem Verband organisiert.
   (Many small businesses are organized in this association.)
3. (Military) Der feindliche Verband wurde gesichtet.
   (The enemy unit was sighted.)
4. (Genitive) Die Aufgaben des Verbandes sind klar definiert.
   (The tasks of the association are clearly defined.)
5. (Plural) Die verschiedenen Verbände trafen sich zu einer Konferenz.
   (The various associations met for a conference.)

🌐 How to Use 'der Verband'?

• In the hospital or at the doctor's office: When talking about wound care, der Verband almost always refers to the medical dressing. (Synonyms here: die Binde, der Wickel, die Wundauflage)
• In business and politics: Here, Verband denotes an interest group or an umbrella organization. (Synonyms here: die Organisation, die Vereinigung, der Bund, die Liga)
• In the military context: Refers to military units or naval fleets/groups. (Synonyms here: die Einheit, die Formation, das Geschwader)

The context usually makes the intended meaning clear. The word derives from „verbinden“ (to connect, to bind), which resonates in all meanings: something is connected (wound edges, people/companies, units).

💡 How to Remember 'der Verband'

For the article 'der': Think of DER strong man who needs a Verband (bandage) after sports, or DER president who leads a Verband (association). Masculine roles can help you remember the masculine article.

For the meanings: A Verband connects (verbindet)! It either connects the wound (medical), the members (organization), or the soldiers/ships (military). The verb 'verbinden' is the key.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms of Verband

⚠️ Similar Words

Be careful not to confuse „Verband“ with „Verwandte“ (relatives).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Arzt den Patienten nach dem Anlegen eines Kopfverbandes: „Na, drückt der Verband?“ Sagt der Patient: „Nein, aber die Miene, die Sie dazu ziehen!“

Translation: The doctor asks the patient after applying a head bandage: "Well, is the bandage tight (lit. pressing)?" The patient replies: "No, but the face you're making is!" (It's a pun: "drücken" can mean "to press/be tight" but also implies worry or burden in the expression "eine Miene ziehen" - to make a face).

📜 A Short Poem

Der Verband am Arm, so weiß und rein,
hält Wunden fest, ganz sanft und fein.
Der Verband der Städte, stark und groß,
verfolgt ein Ziel, wirft ab das Los.
Der Flotten-Verband, auf See geeint,
zeigt Stärke, die fest verbunden scheint.
Ein Wort, drei Welten, klar und doch verwandt,
gehalten durch ein starkes Band.

Translation:
The bandage on the arm, so white and pure,
holds wounds together, gently and sure.
The association of cities, strong and grand,
pursues a goal, takes fate in hand.
The naval fleet formation, united at sea,
shows strength that seems firmly bound to be.
One word, three worlds, clear yet related,
held together by a strong band, fated.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich schütze, was verletzt und offen liegt,
bin auch ein Bund, der selten biegt.
Manchmal marschier' ich in Formation,
mal bin ich eine Organisation.

Was bin ich?
(Lösung: der Verband)

Translation:
I protect what's hurt and open wide,
I'm also a union where members abide.
Sometimes I march in formation's way,
Sometimes I'm an organization for work or play.

What am I?
(Solution: der Verband)

✨ More About 'der Verband'

Word Origin: The word „Verband“ derives from the verb „verbinden“ (to connect, bind, link). It originated in Middle High German („verbant“) and originally meant “the act of connecting” or “fetter/shackle”. Today's meanings evolved from this core idea.

Compounds (Examples):

• Wundverband (medical dressing)
• Dachverband (umbrella organization)
• Sportverband (sports association)
• Stützverband (support bandage)
• Flottenverband (naval fleet/task force)