Studentische Verbindungen, associations of students, which carry out corporate activities according to a traditional ritual. They are divided into ‘schlagende’ and ‘nichtschlagende’ Verbindungen. Social drinking and the singing of student songs and, for ‘schlagende Verbindungen’, formal duelling (see Mensur) are the principal activities. The most exclusive Verbindungen are known as Corps. Each has its colours which are worn as a ribbon or on the cap, hence the term Couleurstudent. On ceremonial occasions the officers (Chargierte) parade in a braided tunic, white breeches, jackboots, and a pill-box cap, and carry a duelling sword.
The Verbindungen have their origin in the association of students from the same state, and were originally known as Landsmannschaften, names such as Rhenania, Borussia, Saxonia, etc. recalling their local origin. See Burschenschaft.
