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

Genossenschaft