die  Satzung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈzat͡sʊŋ/

📜 What exactly is a Satzung?

Die Satzung (feminine noun) refers to a fundamental set of rules that defines the internal order and legal relationships of an organization. It's essentially the constitution or basic law for legal entities such as associations (Vereine), foundations (Stiftungen), cooperatives (Genossenschaften), or stock corporations (Aktiengesellschaften).

A Satzung typically regulates things like:

• Name and registered office (Sitz) of the organization
• Purpose and tasks (Zweck und Aufgaben)
• Membership regulations (start, end, rights, obligations - Regelungen zur Mitgliedschaft)
• Governing bodies (e.g., board - Vorstand, general assembly - Mitgliederversammlung) and their responsibilities
• Procedures for passing resolutions (Beschlussfassungen)
• Financial regulations (e.g., membership fees - Mitgliedsbeiträge)
• Regulations for the dissolution of the organization (Auflösung)

⚠️ A Satzung often needs to meet specific minimum legal requirements and in some cases (e.g., for registered associations or corporations) must be notarized (notariell beurkundet) and/or entered into a register (Registereintragung).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'die Satzung' in Detail

The word Satzung is a feminine noun. The article is always die.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Mitgliederversammlung hat die neue Satzung einstimmig beschlossen.
   (The general assembly unanimously adopted the new bylaws.)
2. Gemäß § 5 der Satzung ist der Vorstand für die Geschäftsführung verantwortlich.
   (According to § 5 of the statutes, the board is responsible for management.)
3. Wir müssen die Satzung ändern, um den neuen Zweck aufzunehmen.
   (We need to amend the statutes to include the new purpose.)
4. Die Satzungen verschiedener Vereine können sich stark unterscheiden.
   (The bylaws of different associations can vary greatly.)

💡 Application and Context

The term die Satzung is primarily used in legal and organizational contexts. You'll find it in connection with:

• Associations (Vereine, e.V.): Every registered association needs a Satzung.
• Foundations (Stiftungen): The Satzung defines the foundation's purpose and organization.
• Cooperatives (Genossenschaften, eG): They also require a Satzung (often called Statut).
• Corporations (GmbH, AG): Here, one often speaks of the articles of association (Gesellschaftsvertrag for GmbH) or statutes (Satzung for AG), which contain fundamental rules.
• Public bodies (Öffentlich-rechtliche Körperschaften): Municipalities or universities can also issue statutes (e.g., fee statutes - Gebührensatzung, university statutes - Hochschulsatzung).

In general language, Satzung is used less frequently and is often replaced by words like rules (Regeln), regulations (Vorschriften), or guidelines (Richtlinien) when not referring to the formal legal basis of an organization.

Comparison: While a Satzung establishes the basic order, procedural rules (Geschäftsordnung) often provide more detailed regulations for the practical work of governing bodies (e.g., meeting procedures).

🧠 Mnemonics for Satzung

Article Mnemonic: Think of words related to rules and order that are feminine in German, like die Ordnung (the order) or die Regelung (the regulation). A Satzung creates order and is a regulation – so it's die Satzung.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word comes from setzen (to set, to establish). You set the rules. The Satzung is the set or established rulebook of an organization.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

🚨 Similar but Different Terms

• Gesetz: Law; a state-enforced, generally binding legal norm. A Satzung is usually private law or subordinate public law.
• Verordnung: Ordinance/Regulation; a legal norm issued by the executive based on statutory authorization.
• Richtlinie: Guideline; often less binding than a Satzung, more like an instruction.

😂 A Little Joke

Neues Vereinsmitglied fragt: Steht in der Satzung eigentlich auch, wann es Freibier gibt?
(New club member asks: Does it actually say in the bylaws when there's free beer?)

Vorstand antwortet: Nein, aber §1 sagt: Der Zweck des Vereins ist die Förderung der Geselligkeit. Das interpretieren wir großzügig! 😉
(Board member replies: No, but §1 says: The purpose of the club is the promotion of sociability. We interpret that generously! 😉)

📜 A Poem about the Satzung

Ein Verein braucht Struktur und Halt,
(A club needs structure and support,)
sonst wird das Chaos schnell zur Gestalt.
(Otherwise chaos quickly takes shape.)
Drum schreibt man Regeln, klar und fest,
(Therefore one writes rules, clear and firm,)
in die Satzung, die alles zusammenpresst.
(In the bylaws, which press everything together.)

Wer darf rein, wer muss raus,
(Who can join, who must leave,)
wer führt den Laden, wer macht Applaus?
(Who runs the show, who applauds?)
Der Zweck, der Name, der Beitrag klein,
(The purpose, the name, the small fee,)
all das muss in die Satzung rein.
(All this must go into the bylaws.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin das Grundgesetz für Club und Bund,
(I am the basic law for club and federation,)
tu Rechte und Pflichten allen kund.
(Making rights and duties known to all.)
Von Vorstandswahl bis zum Zweck,
(From board elections to the purpose,)
steck ich den Rahmen ab, für jeden Scheck.
(I define the framework, for every check.)

Man braucht mich für Gericht und Amt,
(One needs me for court and office,)
ohne mich wär' vieles verdammt
(Without me, much would be doomed)
zur Unordnung und zum Streit.
(To disorder and dispute.)
Wer bin ich, für die Ewigkeit (des Vereins)?
(Who am I, for eternity (of the club)?)

Answer: die Satzung

🌐 Further Information

Word Origin (Wortherkunft)

The word Satzung derives from the verb setzen, meaning to set, establish, put in place. It refers to something that has been set or established – in this case, rules and norms.

Legal Implications (Rechtliche Bedeutung)

The Satzung often carries significant legal weight. Amendments (Änderungen) usually require a qualified majority of members, must be formally resolved correctly, and may need to be registered again. Violations of the Satzung can lead to the invalidity of resolutions.