die  Vereinigung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/fɛɐ̯ˈaɪnɪɡʊŋ/

🤝 What does "die Vereinigung" mean?

Die Vereinigung (noun, feminine) generally describes the act or result of joining or bringing together two or more elements into one unit. Depending on the context, it can have several specific meanings:

• Joining of people or groups: This can refer to a formal organisation like an Verein (association, club), a Gewerkschaft (trade union), or a political party. Example: Die Vereinigung der Kleingärtner (The association of allotment gardeners).
• (Re-)establishment of a state entity: A significant example is the German reunification (die deutsche Vereinigung).
• Merging or combination: In a more general or even technical/scientific sense, it can mean the merging or combining of things or concepts. Example: Die Vereinigung von zwei Flüssen (The confluence/joining of two rivers).

⚠️ Pay attention to the context to understand the precise meaning. The word often implies a process or a state of unity.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "die Vereinigung" in Detail

"Vereinigung" is a feminine noun ending in "-ung", which typically indicates the feminine gender in German. Its declension is as follows:

Example Sentences:

1. Die Vereinigung der beiden Unternehmen wurde letzte Woche bekannt gegeben.
   (The merger/unification of the two companies was announced last week.)
2. Wir gedenken der Vereinigung Deutschlands.
   (We commemorate the unification of Germany.) (Note: Often used with 'an die' + Accusative too: Wir erinnern an die Vereinigung...)
3. Er trat einer politischen Vereinigung bei.
   (He joined a political association.)
4. Viele Menschen feierten die Vereinigung auf den Straßen.
   (Many people celebrated the unification in the streets.)
5. Es gibt verschiedene Vereinigungen, die sich für den Umweltschutz einsetzen.
   (There are various associations that advocate for environmental protection.)

💡 How to Use "Vereinigung"?

• Political/Historical: Very common in the context of German reunification (die deutsche Vereinigung) or the formation of confederations or unions of states.
• Organizational: Often refers to formal associations such as clubs (Vereine), trade unions (Gewerkschaften), or professional associations (e.g., eine berufliche Vereinigung - a professional association). It's similar to Verband or Bund, but Vereinigung often emphasizes the act of coming together.
• General/Abstract: Can also describe the combination or merging of ideas, concepts, or elements (e.g., die Vereinigung von Kunst und Wissenschaft - the union of art and science).
• Technical/Scientific: Less common, but possible for the combination of substances or elements.

Distinction from similar words:

• Union: Often synonymous, but Union is more frequently used for larger political or state entities (e.g., Europäische Union - European Union).
• Zusammenschluss: Emphasizes the process of joining, often in an economic context (merger).
• Verband: Usually denotes an organization representing shared interests.

🧠 Mnemonics for "Vereinigung"

Article Mnemonic: Nouns ending in -ung are almost always feminine (die). Think of other -ung words like die Rechnung (bill), die Bedeutung (meaning), die Wohnung (apartment) – and die Vereinigung. The -ung ending calls for "die"!

Meaning Mnemonic: The word contains "ein" (one). Think of a Vereinigung as many parts becoming one whole, they vereinigen (unite). Many become one!

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat sich der Mathematiker von seiner Freundin getrennt? Es gab zu viele Probleme mit der Vereinigung ihrer Mengen!

(Why did the mathematician break up with his girlfriend? There were too many problems with the union of their sets!)

📜 Poem about Vereinigung

Aus Teilen wird ein Ganzes nun,
Getrenntes findet endlich Ruh'.
Die Kraft, die in der Einheit liegt,
Hat Zwietracht und den Streit besiegt.
Ob Herzen, Länder, Geist und Sinn,
Vereinigung bringt den Gewinn.

(From parts a whole emerges now,
What's separate finds peace somehow.
The strength that lies in unity,
Has conquered discord, strife set free.
Be it hearts, lands, spirit, sense,
Unification brings recompense.)

🤔 Riddle Time

Ich bringe zusammen, was getrennt war einst,
Sei's Staat, Verein, ob groß, ob kleinst.
Mein Name endet auf "-ung", ganz klar,
Und feminin bin ich, das ist wahr.

Was bin ich?

(I bring together what once was apart,
Be it state, club, a big or small start.
My name ends in "-ung", that much is clear,
And feminine I am, hold that dear.)

What am I? Answer: die Vereinigung

🧩 More Tidbits about Vereinigung

Word Formation:

The word "Vereinigung" is derived from the verb "vereinigen", meaning "to unite," "to bring together." The prefix "ver-" often intensifies the meaning of the base verb (here "einigen" - to agree, to unite). The suffix "-ung" turns it into a noun denoting the process or result.

Famous Example:

The Deutsche Wiedervereinigung (German Reunification) on October 3, 1990, is the most prominent example of the term in Germany's political context. Although "Wiedervereinigung" (Re-unification) is often used, the Basic Law (Grundgesetz) speaks of completing the "Einheit Deutschlands" (Unity of Germany), and the process itself is frequently referred to as "die deutsche Vereinigung".