Szövetkezik

Szövetkezik is a Hungarian verb meaning to form or join a cooperative or to cooperate with others in a joint enterprise. It denotes binding together to pursue common interests, typically by establishing a szövetkezet (cooperative) or by engaging in coordinated action with others.

In everyday use, szövetkezik describes collective economic or social action. The action is usually realized by groups such as farmers, workers, or local communities. The typical sense is to form a cooperative, but it can also mean general collaboration without a formal association. For example: "A gazdák szövetkeznek" (the farmers form a cooperative) or "Vállalatok szövetkeznek a közös projekthez" (the companies cooperate on the joint project).

Origin and related terms: The verb is linked to the idea of binding together, from szövetség (alliance, federation) and the organizational form szövetkezet. It emphasizes collective agency and mutual support within a formal or informal network.

Context and usage notes: In Hungarian history, cooperative movements have played important roles in agriculture, trade, and consumer organizations. In contemporary language, szövetkezik often appears in legal or policy texts describing cooperation arrangements, as well as in journalism when reporting on new or expanding co-ops and partnerships.