die  Gewerkschaft

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈvɛʁksˌʃaft/

What does die Gewerkschaft mean? ✊

Die Gewerkschaft (plural: die Gewerkschaften) is a German noun meaning trade union or labor union. It refers to an organization or association of employees (and sometimes self-employed people in a specific profession) that represents their interests towards employers or the state. Key goals often include improving working conditions, wages, working hours, and social security.

It is a feminine noun and always takes the article "die". There are no other articles or meanings associated with this word.

Composition: The word is composed of Gewerk (in the old sense of trade, craft, profession) and the suffix -schaft, which denotes an association, community, or collective body.

Article rules for der, die, and das

Grammar Focus: Declining die Gewerkschaft ✍️

Die Gewerkschaft is a feminine noun. Its declension follows the pattern for feminine nouns, particularly those ending in -schaft (which often have a weak plural ending in -en).

Example Sentences

1. Die Gewerkschaft fordert höhere Löhne. (The union demands higher wages.)
2. Die Rechte der Gewerkschaft sind gesetzlich verankert. (The rights of the union are legally anchored.)
3. Viele Arbeiter treten der Gewerkschaft bei. (Many workers join the union.)
4. Wir unterstützen die Gewerkschaft in ihrem Kampf. (We support the union in its struggle.)
5. Die Gewerkschaften verhandeln gemeinsam. (The unions negotiate together.)
6. Der Einfluss der Gewerkschaften ist groß. (The influence of the unions is significant.)
7. Der Vertrag wurde mit den Gewerkschaften abgeschlossen. (The contract was concluded with the unions.)

Using die Gewerkschaft correctly 🗣️

Die Gewerkschaft is primarily used in contexts related to work, economy, and politics. Typical use cases include:

• Representing Interests: Talking about the organization representing workers. ("Ich bin Mitglied in einer Gewerkschaft." - I am a member of a union.)
• Collective Bargaining (Tarifverhandlungen): In the context of negotiating wages and working conditions. ("Die Gewerkschaft verhandelt einen neuen Tarifvertrag." - The union is negotiating a new collective agreement.)
• Strikes (Streiks): When discussing industrial action. ("Die Gewerkschaft hat zum Streik aufgerufen." - The union has called for a strike.)
• Political Discussions: In debates about labor law, social justice, and economic policy. ("Die Rolle der Gewerkschaften in der modernen Arbeitswelt." - The role of unions in the modern world of work.)

Distinction: A Gewerkschaft specifically represents employee interests. An Arbeitgeberverband (employers' association) represents the interests of employers. A Berufsverband (professional association) can be broader, sometimes including self-employed individuals, often focusing on professional standards rather than just working conditions.

Mnemonics for die Gewerkschaft 🧠

Mnemonic for the Article:

Nouns ending in "-schaft" in German are almost always feminine (die). Think of other common words: die Freundschaft (friendship), die Wissenschaft (science), die Gesellschaft (society)... and die Gewerkschaft. The "ship" (-schaft sounds a bit like ship) carries the feminine article die.

Mnemonic for the Meaning:

Imagine workers getting work done (related to Gewerk) but needing a partnership (-schaft) to fight for their rights together. This partnership is the trade union, die Gewerkschaft.

Synonyms & Antonyms ↔️

⚠️ Avoid Confusion:

Don't confuse die Gewerkschaft with das Gewerk (an individual trade or construction service) or die Genossenschaft (a cooperative, an economic association for mutual benefit, e.g., a housing cooperative).

A Little Joke 😂 (Witz)

German: Fragt der Chef den Gewerkschaftsvertreter: "Warum wollen Ihre Mitglieder immer mehr Geld?" Antwortet der Gewerkschafter: "Aus reiner Gewohnheit. Immer wenn wir weniger fordern, lachen Sie uns aus!"

English Translation: The boss asks the union representative: "Why do your members always want more money?" The union representative replies: "Purely out of habit. Whenever we ask for less, you laugh at us!"

Poetry Corner 📜 (Gedicht)

German:
Wenn Arbeit drückt und Lasten schwer,
kommt oft die Gewerkschaft daher.
Mit starker Stimm' und Einigkeit,
kämpft sie für Recht und Arbeitszeit.
Für Lohn, der fair die Mühe ehrt,
ihr Einsatz ist viel wert!

English Translation:
When work oppresses and burdens are heavy,
often the union comes along.
With a strong voice and unity,
it fights for rights and working time.
For wages that fairly honor the effort,
its commitment is worth a lot!

Can you solve this riddle? 🤔 (Rätsel)

German:
Ich bin ein Bund, doch ohne Land,
reiche vielen die helfende Hand.
Ich spreche laut für Lohn und Recht,
für den Arbeiter und den Knecht.
Steh' ich dem Chef oft gegenüber,
mach' Arbeitskampf, bin niemals müde über
die Sorgen der Belegschaft nachzudenken.

Wer bin ich?

English Translation:
I am a federation, but without land,
I offer many a helping hand.
I speak loudly for wage and right,
for the worker and the servant tight.
I often face the boss with might,
engage in labor struggles, never tired despite
thinking about the workforce's plight.

What am I?

... Die Gewerkschaft (The trade union)

Extra Facts about die Gewerkschaft 🤓

Word Components:

Die Gewerkschaft is composed of:

• Gewerk: An older term for a trade guild or profession (compare English work). Less commonly used alone today, except in historical contexts or specific terms (e.g., Heizungsgewerk - heating trade/system).
• -schaft: A common German suffix indicating a group, community, state, or condition (e.g., Mannschaft - team, Freundschaft - friendship, Gesellschaft - society). It renders the noun feminine.

Historical Context:

Trade unions (Gewerkschaften) emerged during the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century in response to often poor working conditions and low wages in factories. They are a key component of the social market economy (soziale Marktwirtschaft) in Germany and many other countries.