(; often referred to as Verbindung) is the umbrella term for many different kinds of fraternity-type associations in German-speaking countries, including Corps, , , , and Catholic fraternities. Worldwide, there are over 1,600 , about a thousand in Germany, with a total of over 190,000 members. In them, students spend their university years in an organized community, whose members stay connected even after graduation. A goal of this lifelong bond () is to create contacts and friendships over many generations and to facilitate networking. The is very important for the longevity of these networks. Their autonomous and grassroots democratic is also an important similarity of all student corporations. Apart from the and the , every Studentenverbindung also has a so-called (borrowed French for 'how'). The is a body of rules that organize various different aspects of fraternity life such as the , academic fencing (), and general rules of conduct. Fraternities of this particular type are present in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Hungary, Latvia, Estonia, (formerly) German or German-speaking areas and other smaller communities in Europe, and Chile. Less than 1% of all current students and living alumni in Germany are active members of a . Organization Studentenverbindungen consist of active members who are students currently enrolled at a university, and the graduated Alte Herren or Altherren (Elder Gentlemen or alumni) / Hohe Damen (High Ladies) that were once active in these corporations and now provide guidance and the necessary financial backing. The active students are commonly divided into four groups: the new, first year , the loose associate , 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 Chargen 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, or often also called Scriptor (xxx). The Senior's task is mainly to represent the fraternity to the outside and to lead it. The Consenior assists the Senior but mainly focuses on imparting the fencing practice, the organization of fraternity events and the constant contact to fellow female students. Whilst the Drittchargierter is in charge of mail correspondence, finance and diplomacy. Another Function often