Studentenverbindung

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Studentenverbindung or studentische Korporation (German: [ʃtuˈdɛntn̩.fɛɐ̯ˌbɪndʊŋ]; often referred to as Verbindung) is the umbrella term for many different kinds of fraternity-type associations in German-speaking countries, including Corps, Burschenschaften, Landsmannschaften, Turnerschaften, and Catholic fraternities. Worldwide, there are over 1,600 Studentenverbindungen, about a thousand in Germany, with a total of over 190,000 members.^[1] In them, students spend their university years in an organized community, whose members stay connected even after graduation. A goal of this lifelong bond (Lebensbund) is to create contacts and friendships over many generations and to facilitate networking. The Lebensbund is very important for the longevity of these networks.^[2]

Their autonomous and grassroots democratic Convent is also an important similarity of all student corporations. Apart from the Lebensbund and the Convent, every Studentenverbindung also has a so-called Comment (borrowed French for 'how'). The Comment is a body of rules that organize various different aspects of fraternity life such as the Couleur, academic fencing (Mensur), and general rules of conduct.

Fraternities of this particular type are present in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Hungary, Latvia, Estonia, (formerly) German or German-speaking areas and other smaller communities in Europe, and Chile. Less than 1% of all current students and living alumni in Germany are active members of a Studentenverbindung.^[3]