Zirkel (Studentenverbindung)

A Zirkel is a symbol used in Central European student societies (Studentenverbindungen).

Look and meaning

A Zirkel consists of interwined lines, mostly followed by an exclamation mark. The lines mostly show the first letters of the name of the Studentenverbindung and/or the letters v, c, f or e, f, v.

Examples

Zirkel 1927.JPG

Zirkel of Corps Germania in Munich
Zirkel Gothia.jpg

Zirkel of Akademisches Corps Gothia in Innsbruck
Zirkel stpauli jena.svg

Zirkel of Sängerschaft zu St. Pauli in Jena
Zirkel Ascania Köln.png

Zirkel of Burschenschaft Ascania in Cologne
Zirkel Arminia Leipzig.tif

Zirkel of Burschenschaft Arminia in Leipzig
Zirkel der Landsmannschaft Schottland zu Tübingen.png

Zirkel of Landsmannschaft Schottland in Tübingen

Meaning of v-c-f:

Vivant fratres coniuncti ("the joined brothers should live")^[1] or
Vivat circulus fratrum ("the circle of brothers should live")^[1] or
Vivat, crescat, floreat ("live, grow, flourish").^[2]

Meaning of e-f-v:

Ehre, Freiheit, Vaterland ("Honour, Freedom, Fatherland").^[2]

The meaning of the exclamation mark is not quite clear.

Using

The members of the Studentenverbindung use the Zirkel as sign on Couleur or other things (such as beer glasses, etc). If a member signs in affairs of its Studentenverbindung it places the Zirkel after its signature. This use is similar to the use of postnominals in Anglo-Saxon countries.

Examples

Strassencerevis Rhen Sil.jpg

Straßencerevis with embroidered Zirkel and oak leaves
AKV Alemannia Alemannkrug 1.JPG

beer mug and Zipfel with Zirkel