Clubs, Associations And Citizens’ Action Groups : Germany

Clubs. There are few Germans who do not belong to at least one of the country’s 300,000 or so clubs or associations. Nearly one in four is a member of a sports club, and over two million are members of choral societies. There are associations of marksmen, stamp collectors, dog breeders, promoters of local culture, carnivalists, allotment holders and amateur wireless operators, not to mention youth and women’s groups. Members pursue their hobbies but socialize as well.

Some of these associations also play a role in local politics. People with different party affiliations come together in the marksmen’s club or the local historical association, for instance, where they make informal contacts that can affect the life of the community. These associations do not have a defined political role, however.