die  Mitgliederversammlung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈmɪtɡliːdɐfɛɐ̯ˌzamlʊŋ/

📖 What exactly is a Mitgliederversammlung?

The German noun Mitgliederversammlung (often abbreviated as MV) refers to the general meeting or assembly of members of an organization such as a club (Verein), cooperative (Genossenschaft), political party (Partei), or similar entity. It's the gathering of all members entitled to vote, convened to make important decisions, elect or discharge the board (Vorstand), and discuss the organization's affairs.

The article is always die because the word ends in -ung, which typically indicates a feminine noun in German. There are no alternative articles or meanings for this specific compound noun.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar at a Glance: die Mitgliederversammlung

The word "Mitgliederversammlung" is a feminine noun. Therefore, the definite article is always "die". Here is its declension:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die nächste Mitgliederversammlung findet am Dienstag statt.
   (The next general meeting takes place on Tuesday.)
2. Auf der Tagesordnung der Mitgliederversammlung stehen wichtige Punkte.
   (Important items are on the agenda of the general meeting.)
3. Der Vorstand lädt zur jährlichen Mitgliederversammlung ein.
   (The board invites [everyone] to the annual general meeting.)
4. Viele Anträge wurden während der Mitgliederversammlungen diskutiert.
   (Many motions were discussed during the general meetings.)

🗣️ Everyday Usage

The term Mitgliederversammlung is primarily used in the context of associations or clubs (Vereine, e.g., Sportvereine, Kulturvereine), political parties (politische Parteien), cooperatives (Genossenschaften), and sometimes joint-stock companies (Aktiengesellschaften - though Hauptversammlung is more common there).

• It is the central body for exercising membership rights.
• Typical agenda items include elections (board, auditors), amendments to the statutes (Satzungsänderungen), reports from the board, and the formal approval of the board's actions (Entlastung des Vorstands).
• The convocation and conduct of a Mitgliederversammlung are often subject to legal requirements (e.g., the German Civil Code - BGB - for associations) or the organization's own statutes (Satzung).

Compared to a Vorstandssitzung (board meeting), which only involves the board members, the Mitgliederversammlung is open to all (voting) members and holds broader powers.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Nouns ending in "-ung" in German are almost always feminine (die). Think: A meeting requires planning – both conceptually related to the purpose of a Mitgliederversammlung and ending in '-ung', pointing to 'die'.

Meaning Mnemonic: Break it down: Mitglieder means 'members', and Versammlung means 'assembly' or 'meeting'. So, a Mitgliederversammlung is literally a 'members' assembly'. Imagine all the members getting together (assembling) for an important meeting.

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Note: While similar, the precise meaning and legal implications of these terms can vary depending on the organization's statutes (Satzung) or the context.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Frage: Warum sind Protokolle von Mitgliederversammlungen oft so lang? Antwort: Weil jeder etwas zu sagen hat, aber niemand zuhört!

English Translation: Question: Why are the minutes of general meetings often so long? Answer: Because everyone has something to say, but nobody listens!

📜 A Poem about the Meeting

German:
Im Saal versammelt, Stuhl an Stuhl,
die Mitglieder, das ist der Pool.
Es wird gewählt, debattiert, gelacht,
die Mitgliederversammlung, bei Tag und Nacht.
Der Vorstand spricht, ein Antrag kommt,
Beschlüsse fallen prompt.
Einmal im Jahr, das ist die Norm,
hält der Verein sich gut in Form.

English Translation:
Gathered in the hall, chair by chair,
the members, that is the pool there.
Elections held, debates ignite,
the general meeting, day and night.
The board reports, a motion's made,
decisions follow, unafraid.
Once a year, that is the norm,
keeps the association in good form.

🧩 Who or What am I?

German:
Ich bin ein Treffen, groß und wichtig,
für den Verein entscheidend, richtig.
Alle kommen, haben Stimmrecht hier,
wählen den Vorstand, trinken vielleicht Bier.
Einmal im Jahr lade ich meist ein,
wer oder was mag ich nur sein?

English Translation:
I am a meeting, large and key,
for the association, crucial, you see.
All attend, with voting rights bestowed,
elect the board, maybe beer flowed.
Usually once a year, I invite all near,
who or what could I possibly be, my dear?

Solution: die Mitgliederversammlung (the general meeting)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition

The word "Mitgliederversammlung" is a compound noun (Kompositum) made up of:

• Mitglied (noun): member (person belonging to a group or organization)
• -er- (linking element): (Fugenlaut)
• Versammlung (noun): assembly, meeting (gathering of people for a specific purpose)

Legal Significance

In German law concerning associations (Vereinsrecht), specifically § 32 of the German Civil Code (BGB), the Mitgliederversammlung is established as the supreme governing body of an association (Verein). Its convocation, quorum requirements, and responsibilities are often detailed in the association's statutes (Satzung).