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A Studentenverbindung (the that includes the en, en, , en, en, and en) is a student similar to fraternities in the US or Canada.
Organization
of the at (– today)}} A corporation in Germany, Austria, Switzerland or elsewhere in Europe consists of the active students, who study any academic subject at a , and the already graduated Alte Herren (Elder Gentlemen or alumni) /Hohe Damen (High Ladies) that have once been active in the corporation. Alte Herren and Hohe Damen are also called Philister. The active students usually reside in the , some kind of small dorm for the members of the corporation which also has common rooms for festivities. One of the many benefits of joining a corporation is the especially low pricing of the often noble rooms. Some argue that corporations actively try to get new members through these low-priced rooms which they then socialize to their traditions.
The corporation is mostly financed by the Alte Herren, who also take care of the students' career -- they help them in their subjects of study and in other areas of life, up to organizing good jobs and possibilities for the younger students. This networking is also seen as problematic by other students and most s. In turn, the active students when becoming Alte Herren finance and help the then-actives.
Corporations are organized in umbrella organisations; for example there is the (WB), the (CV), the (KV), , the , the , the or the .
History
Most of the current corporations originate in the early , as does their tradition. This includes ideals of , and as well in some parts a tendency towards . Many early representatives of the liberal or socialist movement in the German countries where corporation members. , and also play a big role in many corporations. Prominent items in corporations' tradition is the in (see ) and the Fest. During the early 20th century many Burschenschaften expelled their Jewish members.
Catholic corporations and other christian corporations, originating from the mid of the 19th century, have been founded as a countermovement to Burschenschaften and Corps. They strictly refuse as unethical. Their s are () , and (catholic corporations) or other principles like Wingolfsbund's (Gr.) "Δί ένός πάντα" - "Di henos panta!" (all through christ).
Tradition
One part of the tradition is the , which is a ritualized , but without the possibility for anyone to win. Unlike earlier times nowadays the chance of light injuries is smaller however still common. Typical injuries include facial scars. Fatal or serious injuries are nearly impossible. The fencing is seen as a of fighting for the corporation and for their ideals.
Many student societies do not permit their members to fence though. Catholic and other Christian fraternities for instance, have been founded to antagonize . However, they share some part of other formal traditions of the Corps and Burschenschaften.
The traditional symbols () corporation members wear -coloured caps and ribbons- are seldom seen today at universities.
The most common kinds of Studentenverbindungen
Despite a wide variety of Studentenverbindungen, certain kinds are prevalent; the most common types are:
"Studentenverbindung"