1. A type of social organization or community based on close personal relationships, shared traditions, and common values; contrasted with gesellschaft (a more formal, impersonal society).
Usage: sociology; from German; often used in academic contexts when discussing community structures

Examples

• The small village maintained a strong gemeinschaft, where everyone knew their neighbors and helped one another.
• Sociologists distinguish between gemeinschaft, based on emotional bonds, and gesellschaft, based on rational contracts.
• Extended families in traditional societies often exemplify gemeinschaft relationships.
• The gemeinschaft of the religious community provided members with a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
• Modern urban life tends to replace gemeinschaft with more impersonal gesellschaft structures.