versammlung

Versammlung is a German noun meaning assembly or gathering. It refers to an event in which people come together for a common purpose, ranging from informal meetups to organized public gatherings such as protests, demonstrations, or official meetings. The term is used in everyday language for both political events and nonpolitical meetings, including associations, clubs, or corporate bodies.

In legal and constitutional contexts, the right to freely assemble is a key element in many German-speaking countries. In Germany, the freedom of assembly is protected by the Basic Law (Grundgesetz), specifically Article 8, which guarantees peaceful and unarmed assemblies. This right is balanced against public safety and order, and authorities may regulate or restrain gatherings in certain circumstances. In practice, many planned assemblies require notification to the authorities in advance, and organizers may be subject to conditions or, in some cases, to prohibitions if safety, traffic, or public order could be seriously affected. The exact rules for notification, duration, route, and security measures are often set by state laws and police regulations.

Types of gatherings commonly associated with the term include Kundgebung (a public address or rally), Aufzug (a procession or march), and, more generally, Demonstration (a demonstration or protest). In non-political contexts, Versammlung also denotes formal meetings of organizations, such as a Jahresversammlung (annual general meeting) or a member assembly, where decisions are made and votes are cast.

Etymologically, Versammlung derives from versammeln, meaning to bring people together. The concept is used across German-speaking regions, with similar notions in related legal and organizational contexts.