German terms for volunteering – The meaning of “Ehrenamt”, “Engagement” & Co

What exactly is the difference between and the meaning of „Ehrenamt“, „soziales & bürgerschaftliches Engagement“ and „Freiwilligenarbeit“?

The more numerous the possible areas of voluntary work become, the more diverse are the definitions of each activity. Unfortunately, the definitions are not fully distinct, but each of them has a very specific focus. Therefore, we give you an overview about the difference and meaning of Ehrenamt, Engagement and more types of volunteer work. This way you can find the right volunteering opportunity on vostel.de as well as the right label for what you do.

1. Ehrenamt
2. Soziales & gemeinnütziges Engagement
3. Bürgerschaftliches Engagement
4. Freiwilligenarbeit & Freiwilligendienste
5. Volunteering via vostel.de

Meaning of Ehrenamt

Often all definitions for voluntary activities are combined under the classical “Ehrenamt”. That this is no longer the case today, however, it becomes apparent when the word is broken down. “Ehre” and “Amt” describe voluntary activities, in whose office you are usually elected and which are traditionally connected with reputation, for example in the citizen representation or clubs. The unpaid activity is carried out publicly, is intended to benefit third parties and is of a long-term nature. Volunteers identify with their work and may have grown up with the organisation they support. If, for example, you are elected treasurer in your sports club, this is classically referred to as Ehrenamt.

Nowadays this work has shifted and volunteers tend to get involved on a project-by-project basis. You find such Ehrenamtliche more rarely today although organisations often wish for a long term commitment of support.

Soziales & gemeinnütziges Engagement

This means any social action that benefits the general public, possible in the form of a donation of time or money. On vostel.de you will find the possibility to donate your time by getting volunteering for a good cause. The public character of your activity is also important here, because strictly speaking it does not count as “soziales Engagement” if you occasionally support a neighbour or a family member in carrying the groceries. Instead, as part of an organisation, you support for example people affected by homelessness with warm meals.

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.

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.

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What 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”.