Zusammenstehen

Zusammenstehen is a German verb meaning to stand together, to show solidarity or unity among people, groups, or institutions, especially in response to a crisis, danger, or a shared goal. The concept emphasizes collective action and mutual support rather than individual initiative.

Etymology: The word is formed from zusammen ("together") and stehen ("to stand"). The phrase evokes a stance adopted by a community or group and denotes unity in purpose.

Usage: It is used across political, social, and everyday contexts to describe solidarity and cohesion. Common in statements after disasters or during protests: Wir stehen zusammen. It can refer to citizens, organizations, teams, or nations that choose to face a challenge together. Related expressions include zusammenhalten (to hold together) and Zusammenhalt (cohesion, solidarity).

Notes on form: In present tense the expression is typically written as two words ("stehen zusammen"), while past forms follow the normal conjugation of stehen with the appropriate auxiliary verb.

See also: Zusammenhalt, Solidarität, Gemeinschaft.