Genootschap

A genootschap (German - genossenschaft) is a specifically Dutch form of company, association, society or cooperative, named after the pursuit for which its members gather.

Definition

Each member voluntarily joins his or her fate with that of his or her fellow members and that of the genootschap's ups and downs. Such a society also usually has a number of other characteristics :

Size and composition: The number of members of a society is limited. A society can be sizeable, but it is never a mass association. Thus its intentions are decided only by its character. Objective: The target of a genootschap is always carried forward by its members with a certain degree of seriousness, as well as a great social aim. From this also results its solemn character and interest in decorum.

Kinds

Discreet genootschap

Geheim genootschap

Initiatiegenootschap

Wetenschappelijk genootschap

Examples

Republikeins Genootschap

Nieuw Republikeins Genootschap

Koninklijk Nederlands Aardrijkskundig Genootschap

Theosofisch Genootschap

Russisch Geografisch Genootschap

Met Tijd en Vlijt

Kerlinga

Genootschap Onze Taal

Theosofisch Genootschap Point Loma-Covina

Koninklijk Nederlands Geologisch Mijnbouwkundig Genootschap

Bataafs Genootschap voor Proefondervindelijke wijsbegeerte

Thule Gesellschaft

Genootschap Kunstliefde

Actuarieel Genootschap

Het Apostolisch Genootschap

Genootschap der Vrienden

Koninklijk Zeeuws Genootschap der Wetenschappen

Theosofisch Genootschap Pasadena

Louis Couperus Genootschap

Nederlandsch Zendeling Genootschap

Natuurhistorisch Genootschap Limburg

Clubs and societies in the Netherlands

de:Genossenschaft