die
Community
🌍 What does 'die Community' mean?
Die Community (borrowed from English) refers to a group of people connected by shared interests, goals, values, a common place (real or virtual), or social interactions. It's a very common word, especially in the context of online platforms and social networks.
In German, it's almost exclusively used as a feminine noun (die Community).
- Meaning 1: A group with shared interests or goals (e.g., eine Online-Gaming-Community, eine Lerngemeinschaft - a learning community).
- Meaning 2: A group of people living in the same place (rare in German usage; here, Gemeinde or Gemeinschaft are more common).
🚨 Note: Although it originates from English, the word is firmly established in German usage.
🧐 Grammar: Die Community in Detail
The word "Community" is a feminine noun. The article is always die.
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Community | eine Community |
| Genitive | der Community | einer Community |
| Dative | der Community | einer Community |
| Accusative | die Community | eine Community |
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Communitys | - Communitys |
| Genitive | der Communitys | - Communitys |
| Dative | den Communitys | - Communitys |
| Accusative | die Communitys | - Communitys |
📝 Example Sentences
- Die Online-Community ist sehr aktiv. (The online community is very active.)
- Er ist Teil einer großen Gaming-Community. (He is part of a large gaming community.)
- Wir unterstützen die lokale Community durch verschiedene Projekte. (We support the local community through various projects.)
- Innerhalb der Community gibt es klare Regeln. (Within the community, there are clear rules.)
- Viele Fragen werden in den verschiedenen Communitys diskutiert. (Many questions are discussed in the various communities.)
💬 How to use 'die Community'?
"Die Community" is frequently used to describe groups that form, online or offline, based on shared interests.
- Online Context: Very common for forums, social networks, gaming groups (e.g., „Die Reddit-Community diskutiert das Thema.“ - The Reddit community discusses the topic., „Unsere Facebook-Community wächst.“ - Our Facebook community is growing.).
- Interest Groups: Also used for real-life groups (e.g., „Die LGBTQ+-Community kämpft für Gleichberechtigung.“ - The LGBTQ+ community fights for equal rights., „Die wissenschaftliche Community tauscht sich auf Konferenzen aus.“ - The scientific community exchanges ideas at conferences.).
- Marketing/Brands: Companies often build a „Brand Community“ around their products.
Distinction from Gemeinschaft: While Gemeinschaft often implies deeper, more traditional, or emotional bonds (e.g., Dorfgemeinschaft - village community, Glaubensgemeinschaft - religious community), Community is often more modern, interest-based, and can be less binding, especially online.
💡 Mnemonics for 'die Community'
Article Mnemonic: Think of die Gruppe (the group) or die Gemeinschaft (the community/fellowship) – both are feminine words in German, just like die Community. A Community often involves many women (and men), helping you remember die (feminine).
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine many people "come" together in "unity" -> Come-Unity -> Community. They form a unit or group.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar words):
- Gemeinschaft: (often more traditional, closely-knit)
- Gruppe: (group - general term)
- Netzgemeinde: (online community)
- Gemeinde: (often local or religious community/municipality)
- Kreis: (circle, e.g., Freundeskreis - circle of friends)
- Anhängerschaft: (following, supporters)
Antonyms (Opposites):
- Einzelgänger(tum): (loner, individualism)
- Individuum: (individual)
- Isolation: (isolation)
- Einsamkeit: (loneliness)
⚠️ Similar but Misleading Words:
- Kommune: A specific form of communal living, often with shared economics.
- Kommunion: A religious sacrament (in Christianity).
😂 A Little Joke
Warum hat die Online-Community immer Recht?
Weil sie immer im „Netz“ der Tatsachen fischt! 😉
(Why is the online community always right? Because it's always fishing in the 'net' of facts! - Pun on 'Netz' meaning 'net' and 'internet')
✍️ Poem about the Community
Ob online, ob ganz nah,
die Community ist da.
Geteiltes Hobby, gleicher Sinn,
da steckt viel Gutes drin.
Man hilft sich, lacht, diskutiert,
hat sich im Netz formiert.
Ein starkes Band, digital gewebt,
das unser Miteinander belebt.
---
(Whether online, or very near,
the community is here.
A shared hobby, a common sense,
there's much good within its fence.)
(They help each other, laugh, discuss,
have formed online for us.
A strong bond, digitally woven,
that enlivens how we've striven.)
❓ Riddle
Ich bin ein Kreis, doch ohne Rand,
Verbinde Menschen, Hand in Hand.
Mal digital, mal im realen Leben,
Gemeinsam Ziele wir anstreben.
Mein Artikel ist feminin und klar,
Man findet mich im Netz, das ist wahr.
Was bin ich?
---
(I am a circle, yet without a rim,
Connecting people, limb to limb.
Sometimes digital, sometimes in real life seen,
Together we strive for goals so keen.
My article is feminine and clear,
You find me on the net, it's true, my dear.)
(What am I?)
Solution: Die Community
✨ Other Interesting Facts
Etymology: The word "Community" comes directly from English and has its roots in the Latin word communitas, meaning „community“ or „commonness“ (from communis = common).
Pronunciation: In German, it's usually pronounced similarly to English: [kɔˈmjuːnɪti].
Plural form: The most common plural is "Communitys". The form "Communities" (as in English) is used less frequently but can also be encountered.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Community?
The German word "Community" is feminine. Therefore, the correct article is always die Community. It is used for groups with shared interests, especially online.