Gleichgesinnte

Gleichgesinnte is a German noun referring to people who share similar views, values, or goals. It denotes a group or circle of individuals who feel a common mentality or disposition, and it can describe friends, colleagues, members of a political movement, or participants in a hobby or interest group. The term emphasizes ideological or motivational alignment rather than physical proximity.

The word derives from gleich (same) and Gesinnung (mentality or disposition). It is capitalized as a standard German noun and appears in both everyday language and formal writing. Gleichgesinnte can carry a neutral, positive, or slightly nostalgic tone, depending on context, and may be used to describe congenial allies or, in a critical sense, a closed or self-reinforcing circle.

In usage, Gleichgesinnte commonly appear in discussions about politics, social movements, or communities built around shared interests. People may seek Gleichgesinnte to collaborate on projects, to form support networks, or to exchange ideas. For example, “Die Gleichgesinnten trafen sich regelmäßig, um Ideen auszutauschen,” or “Sie suchten Gleichgesinnte, um eine Petition zu unterstützen.” The term can imply camaraderie and mutual understanding, while also sometimes suggesting homogeneity or exclusivity.

See also: Gleichgesinnung, the state or condition of being like-minded; Gleichgesinnte in English is often rendered as “like-minded people” or “kindred spirits.”