Zirkel (Studentenverbindung)


A Zirkel is a symbol used in European student societies in countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Hungary, Latvia, Estonia.

Look and meaning

A Zirkel consists of intertwined lines, followed by an exclamation mark if the society is still active. 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:
Meaning of v-c-f:
Meaning of e-f-v:
The exclamation mark means that the society is still active and alive.

Usage

The members of the Studentenverbindung use the Zirkel as sign on Couleur or other things e.g. 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: