Studentenverbindung

Studentenverbindung (German: [ʃtuˈdɛnt.fɛɐ̯ˌbɪndʊŋ]; often referred to as Verbindung) is the umbrella term for all kinds of fraternity-type associations in German-speaking countries, including Corps, Burschenschaften, Landsmannschaften, Turnerschaften, Sängerschaften, Catholic fraternities, Schwarzburgbund, Wingolf, and Ferialverbindungen. Less than 1% of all current students and living alumni in Germany are active members of a Studentenverbindung.

Fraternities of this particular type are present in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Hungary, Latvia, Estonia, and (formerly) German or German-speaking areas and other communities in Europe and Chile. They consist of active members who are students currently enrolled in university, and the already graduated Alte Herren or Altherren (Elder Gentlemen or alumni) / Hohe Damen (High Ladies) that have once been active in these corporations and now provide guidance and the necessary financial backing to the fraternity.

The active students are commonly divided into four groups, with the or (German for fox, the pledges), the Burschen (German for fellow, full members), and the inactive Burschen (having been members for a set time limit, usually three or four semesters ) forming the fraternity's active core.

The fourth group, the Chargierte are Burschen elected by the former groups' democratic vote and entitled to decide over certain situations of everyday fraternity life. Common Chargierte are the Senior (signing his name with an x at the end e.g. Mustermann Z! x), Consenior (xx) and the Drittchargierter (xxx). The Senior's task is mainly to represent the fraternity in an impeccable manner and to lead it; his word is statute. The Consenior assists the Senior but mainly focuses on imparting the fencing practice, the organization of fraternity events and the constant contact to female fellow students. Whilst the Drittchargierter is in charge of the mail correspondence, finance and diplomacy, there is a Function, that is often wrongly referred to as a Charge (Chargierter), the so-called Fuchsmajor. He is in charge of the or and teaches them everything they need to know (Schimmer) to survive fraternity life, except the fencing.

...
Wikipedia