zugehöriger

Zugehöriger is a German noun meaning a person who belongs to or is affiliated with a larger group, organization, family, or category. It can refer to a member, an associate, or a relative, depending on context. The term is common in formal, administrative, or legal language, and is used when the emphasis is on belonging to a group rather than on a specific role.

Grammatically, the masculine singular form is der Zugehörige; the feminine form is die Zugehörige, and the plural is die Zugehörigen. The word is derived from the verb gehören (to belong) with the prefix zu- and the agent suffix -er. It is typically capitalized as a noun in German.

Usage notes and contexts: Zugehöriger is broad in scope and can refer to members of clubs or organizations, employees connected to a company, or broader groups defined by affiliation. In some contexts, especially in insurance or social welfare texts, Zugehörige may denote relatives or dependents connected to a policyholder or insured person. In everyday language, more common terms like Mitglied (member) or Angehöriger (relative or dependent) may be preferred, depending on the nuance the speaker wishes to convey.

Synonyms and contrasts: Mitglied emphasizes formal membership or status within an organization; Angehöriger focuses more specifically on family or dependent relations; Zugehöriger emphasizes belonging or affiliation to a group, which can be broader than formal membership.

Examples: “Zu den Zugehörigen des Vereins gehören Ehrenmitglieder.” “Die Zugehörigen des Versicherungsvertrags können Familienangehörige sein.” This term thus situates individuals within a network of belonging rather than as mere participants.