Cliquen

Cliquen is the German plural form of clique, used in German-language writing to describe small, tightly knit groups within a larger social setting. In English-language literature, the term clique is more common, but Cliquen appears in translated works and cross-cultural studies. A clique typically consists of a small circle of friends who interact regularly and share norms, interests, and activities.

Cliquen form in schools, neighborhoods, workplaces, and clubs through proximity, shared activities, and mutual recognition. Membership is often exclusive and based on trust, reciprocity, and compatible personalities. Roles within Cliquen can be informal—leaders, mediators, or gatekeepers—while boundaries may be reinforced by rituals, language, or inside jokes.

Cliquen provide social support, identity, and access to resources. They help individuals navigate peer expectations, develop social skills, and define belonging. However, they can also produce exclusion, peer pressure, and bullying, particularly for those outside the group. The balance between inclusion and pressure varies by context and culture.

Cliquen tend to be relatively stable over short periods but fluid over time as members enter or leave. They interact with other groups and crowds, influencing behavior while being influenced by school culture, gender norms, and broader cultural expectations.

Scholars view Cliquen as a normal feature of social development and group formation. They are distinct from larger peer crowds and social networks, which are broader and less exclusive. Research emphasizes both the developmental benefits and potential risks associated with clique dynamics.