die  Organisation

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɔʁɡaniˈzaːt͡si̯oːn/

🎯 What does "die Organisation" mean?

The German word die Organisation primarily has two meanings:

• A structured entity or group: This refers to a group of people working together to achieve a common goal, often with a formal structure. Examples include Unternehmen (companies), Vereine (clubs/associations), Behörden (authorities), or international bodies. 🏢
• The process of organizing: This describes the act or process of planning, structuring, and arranging things or processes. 📅

Since the word ends in "-ion", it is feminine and takes the article "die". There are no exceptions or common mistakes regarding the article here. ⚠️ Be careful not to confuse it with the verb organisieren (to organize).

🧐 Grammar of "Organisation" in Detail

"Organisation" is a feminine noun. Here are the declension tables:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Organisation des Festivals war hervorragend. (The organization of the festival was excellent. - Referring to the process)
2. Er arbeitet für eine internationale Organisation. (He works for an international organization. - Referring to the entity/group)
3. Die gute Organisation im Büro spart viel Zeit. (The good organization in the office saves a lot of time. - Referring to the process)
4. Viele gemeinnützige Organisationen suchen Freiwillige. (Many non-profit organizations are looking for volunteers. - Referring to the entity/group, plural)

🗣️ How to use "die Organisation"?

"Die Organisation" is used in many contexts:

• Wirtschaft & Beruf (Economy & Profession): When talking about companies, authorities, or NGOs. (e.g., “Die Organisation hat weltweit über 5000 Mitarbeiter.” - The organization has over 5000 employees worldwide.)
• Planung & Management (Planning & Management): When referring to structuring tasks, projects, or events. (e.g., “Die Organisation der Konferenz erfordert viel Detailarbeit.” - The organization of the conference requires a lot of detailed work.)
• Alltag (Everyday life): Also in the personal sphere, when creating order or planning routines. (e.g., “Meine persönliche Organisation könnte besser sein.” - My personal organization could be better.)

Difference to similar words:

• Struktur (Structure): Emphasizes the setup, the framework (of an organization, a text, etc.).
• Einrichtung (Institution/Establishment): Often synonymous with Organisation (as a group), but sometimes also used for buildings or furniture.
• Planung (Planning): Focuses on the future design, while Organisation often includes implementation and structuring.

💡 Mnemonics for "Organisation"

Article Mnemonic: Many German nouns ending in -ion are feminine (die), like die Nation, die Position, die Aktion... and also die Organisation. Imagine a female boss (feminine!) organizing everything.

Meaning Mnemonic: Think of the organs in your body. They form a complex system, a biological Organisation, where everything has to work together. Similarly, a company or a plan is a structured Organisation.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar sounding words:

• Organismus (Organism): Refers to a living being, not just a structure.
• Organ (Organ): A part of an organism or a larger structure.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Computer Probleme mit der Organisation?
(Why does the computer have problems with organization?)

Weil er ständig seine Windows schließt, wenn er aufräumen soll!
(Because it keeps closing its Windows when it's supposed to tidy up!)

✍️ A Short Poem

Die Organisation, wohl durchdacht,
hat Ordnung in das Chaos gebracht.
Ein Plan, ein Ziel, ein fester Strang,
so hält die Struktur allem stand, ein Leben lang.

(The organization, well thought out,
has brought order into chaos.
A plan, a goal, a steady thread,
so the structure withstands everything, lifelong ahead.)

❓ Riddle

Ich kann eine Firma sein, groß oder klein,
oder die Art, wie du ordnest – fein.
Ich brauche Struktur, ich brauche 'nen Plan,
ich bringe System in jede Bahn.

Was bin ich?

(I can be a company, big or small,
or the way you arrange things - neat and tall.
I need structure, I need a plan,
I bring system to every span.

What am I?)

Solution: die Organisation

📚 Additional Information

Word Composition & Origin: The word "Organisation" comes from the Late Latin organizatio, which in turn derives from the Greek word organon (tool, instrument, organ). The suffix "-ion" often indicates a process or state.

Well-known Organizations: Many compound words exist, such as Weltgesundheitsorganisation (World Health Organization - WHO), Hilfsorganisation (aid organization), Jugendorganisation (youth organization).