der  Vereinsvorstand

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/fɛɐ̯ˈaɪnsˌfoːɐ̯ʃtant/

🤔 What exactly is a Vereinsvorstand?

The term Vereinsvorstand (masculine, article der) refers to the executive committee or board of directors of a Verein (club or association). It's the group of people elected to manage the club's affairs, represent it externally, and implement the decisions of the general assembly (Mitgliederversammlung).

Typically, the Vorstand consists of several members with different roles, such as:

• Vorsitzende(r) (Chairperson)
• Stellvertretende(r) Vorsitzende(r) (Deputy Chairperson)
• Schatzmeister(in) / Kassenwart(in) (Treasurer)
• Schriftführer(in) (Secretary)

Although Vorstand often refers to a group, the word is grammatically masculine singular and takes the article 'der'. It can occasionally refer to a single board member if the context allows, although this is less common.

🚨 Caution: Don't confuse der Vereinsvorstand (the committee/board) with der Vereinsvorsitzende (the chairperson/president).

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Vereinsvorstand

The noun 'Vereinsvorstand' is masculine.

Declension

Example Sentences

1. Der Vereinsvorstand trifft sich jeden ersten Montag im Monat.
   (The club board meets every first Monday of the month.)
2. Die Entscheidung wurde vom Vereinsvorstand getroffen.
   (The decision was made by the club board.)
3. Wir müssen die Vorschläge beim Vereinsvorstand einreichen.
   (We have to submit the proposals to the club board.)
4. Die Mitglieder wählten einen neuen Vereinsvorstand.
   (The members elected a new club board.)
5. Die Aufgaben der Vereinsvorstände sind in der Satzung festgelegt.
   (The duties of the club boards are defined in the statutes.)

🚀 Everyday Usage

The term 'der Vereinsvorstand' is mainly used in the context of Vereine (clubs, associations, non-profit organizations, etc.).

• Formal Context: In statutes (Satzungen), minutes of general meetings (Protokolle von Mitgliederversammlungen), official correspondence, and legal matters concerning the association.
• Informal Context: In conversations among members about the leadership or decisions of the club.

It describes the collective leadership level. When talking about an individual person, their specific role is more commonly used (e.g., der Vorsitzende - the chairman, die Schatzmeisterin - the treasurer) or the term das Vorstandsmitglied (the board member).

Comparison:

• Der Vorstand: General term for a management or executive board, also used in companies (e.g., AG-Vorstand - board of a public limited company).
• Der Vereinsvorstand: Specifically for clubs/associations.
• Das Präsidium: Often used synonymously, but sometimes refers to a smaller body within a larger board or for larger federations.

🧠 Memory Aids

For the article 'der': Think of DER Leader or DER Manager. The Vorstand leads the Verein, so it's der Vereinsvorstand. Most job titles for groups ending in '-stand' are masculine 'der'.

For the meaning: The Vorstand steht (stands) vor (in front of / before) the Verein. It represents and leads it. Imagine the board members standing in front at a meeting.

🔄 Similar and Opposing Terms

Related Terms (potentially misleading):

• Der Vorsitzende / Die Vorsitzende: (The Chairperson/President) - Only the person leading the board, not the entire committee.
• Das Vorstandsmitglied: (The board member) - A single person on the board.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Mitglied das andere: "Warum redet unser Kassenwart im Schlaf immer nur Zahlen?"
Antwortet das andere: "Wahrscheinlich zählt er die nicht vorhandenen Gelder, die der Vereinsvorstand ausgeben möchte!"

Translation:
One member asks another: "Why does our treasurer always talk only numbers in his sleep?"
The other replies: "He's probably counting the non-existent funds that the club board wants to spend!"

📜 Club Board in Verse

Der Vereinsvorstand, gut gewählt,
ist der, der plant und der erzählt,
was im Verein so wird gemacht,
wer hält die Kasse, gibt gut Acht.

Er sitzt zusammen, denkt und lenkt,
damit das Vereinsschiff nicht versenkt.
Beschlüsse fassen, das ist Pflicht,
für alle Mitglieder ins rechte Licht.

Translation:
The club board, well elected,
Is the one that plans and has reported,
What in the club will be pursued,
Who holds the cash, ensures it's viewed.

It sits together, thinks and steers,
So the club's ship overcomes its fears.
Making decisions is its duty,
For all the members, clear and fruity (lit: in the right light).

🕵️ A Little Riddle

Ich leite einen Club, doch bin kein einzelner Mann,
bin eine Gruppe, die entscheiden kann.
Von Mitgliedern gewählt, für eine feste Zeit,
vertrete ich den Verein, bin zur Führung bereit.

Wer oder was bin ich? ... Der Vereinsvorstand

Translation:
I lead a club, but am not a single man,
I am a group that decide things can.
Elected by members, for a fixed time's span,
I represent the club, ready with a plan.

What am I?
... The club board (der Vereinsvorstand)

💡 More Facts

Word Composition:

The word 'Vereinsvorstand' is a compound noun, made up of:

• Verein (Club, Association)
• Vorstand (Board, Executive Committee - from 'vorstehen', meaning 'to preside over' or 'to lead')

Legal Significance:

In Germany, the Vorstand is the legal representative body of a registered association (eingetragener Verein, e.V.) according to § 26 of the German Civil Code (BGB - Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch). Its composition and responsibilities are defined in the association's statutes (Satzung).