German terms for volunteering – The meaning of ‘Ehrenamt’, ‘Engagement’ & Co
According to the BMI, around 29 million people in Germany are involved in voluntary work. However, by definition, not every voluntary activity is a so called “Ehrenamt”. To shed some light on the jungle of terms, in this article we provide an overview of the difference between the meaning of the German terms “Ehrenamt”, “Engagement” and “Freiwilligenarbeit”. Plus we show you which of these volunteering opportunities you can find on vostel.de.
What is the meaning of ‘Ehrenamt’?
Colloquially, the term ‘Ehrenamt‘ (honorary post) is used to describe all activities associated with voluntary work. However, the meaning of ‘Ehrenamt‘ is strictly speaking defined as an activity that is associated with a position to which someone is elected. This can also be seen in the word itself, which is made up of ‘Ehre‘ (honour) and ‘Amt’ (post). A classic example of this is the position of treasurer in a club. It is also essential for a classic ‘Ehrenamt‘ that the activity is carried out free of charge and in public and benefits third parties. In addition, it is designed for the long term, i.e. it is not just a one-off or limited activity.
Nowadays, however, volunteering has shifted somewhat and volunteers tend to (initially) engage in project-based or one-off activities. For non-profit organisations, this means that they need to find new ways to attract young volunteers – for example, through low-threshold projects that allow them to get to know an organisation before making a long-term commitment. This is because a one-off or project-related activity often turns into long-term ‘Ehrenamt‘.
For non-profit organisations that would like to learn more about this topic, we recommend our special article ‘Finding and binding young volunteers for the long term’.
What is the Meaning of ‘Soziales & gemeinnütziges Engagement’?
A ‘soziales & gemeinnütziges Engagement’ (social or charitable engagement) refers to any social activity that benefits the general public, whether in the form of a donation of time, goods or money. In contrast to the meaning of ‘Ehrenamt‘, the activity does not have to be long-term or linked to a permanent position. Even signing a petition or working a shift at a food bank for the homeless can count. However, it is important that the activity has a public character; shopping for a neighbour does not count in the narrower sense.
What is the meaning of Bürgerschaftliches Engagement?
This kind of volunteering has its core in the already mentioned ‘soziales Engagement’. If you take a closer look, however, it is a bit more political. Here you are actively involved in the practice or protection of laws or human rights. You represent an active part of political participation and stand up for your convictions. A good example of this is organising, but also participating in public demonstrations.
What is the meaning of Freiwilligenarbeit & Freiwilligendienste? (BFD, FSJ, FÖJ, FKJ, etc.)
For some years now, many young people are taking a break after their time in school in order to gain important key competences for education/ studies/ profession. What used to be an alternative to military service (Zivildienst) is now a “Freiwilliges Jahr” or a “Bundesfreiwilligendienst”.
During this voluntary year, which can last between 6 months and 2 years, the volunteers attend supporting events to share their experiences with other volunteers. For their work, volunteers are often provided with accommodation, meals and pocket money. A contract is signed and the volunteers spend their time with one organisation.
During a “Freiwilliges Jahr” you can get involved in various social, cultural or ecological areas. This is then called “Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr” (FSJ, voluntary social year), “Freiwilliges Kulturelles Jahr” (FKJ, voluntary cultural year) or “Freiwilliges Ökologisches Jahr” (FÖJ, voluntary ecological year). And you can also choose a focus for a Bundesfreiwilligendienst (BFD).
Often universities and colleges grant advantages during the study, if you have done a voluntary year before, for example the work can be credited as a practical course.
Which volunteering opportunities can I find on vostel.de?
On the volunteering platform you will find short and long term volunteering opportunities, Ehrenämter and bürgerschaftliche Engagements. You can get involved in a variety of areas for different target groups and on a variety of topics. Here you will not only find the right title for you, but also a matching “Engagement”.
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