What exactly is Corps Austria?
What exactly is Corps Austria?
Corps
Austria (pronounced ‘core austria’) is what is known in Germany as a 'Corps' or
male student fraternity. However, before we examine what Corps Austria is and
who we are, let us give you a whistle-stop tour of German history to help you
understand the origin of corps in general.
History of Corps in General
Corps came into being in 18th century Germany at a time when
Germany as you, and I know it today, simply did not exist. Instead of the unified
modern nation state that today stretches from the Baltic Sea to the Alps, Germany
was a patchwork of Kingdoms, Principalities, Duchies, Palatinates, Imperial
Cities and other polities.
Swords.. but not green tights!
In
this context, students who travelled the highways and byways of the land had
the right to bear arms to protect themselves. In fact, students were one of only
a handful of groups in society that had the right to do so. To this day, a
majority of Corps (as do we) keep this tradition alive by fencing with swords as a means of
binding its members together. In fact, your willingness to partake in carefully-organised duels is a requisite to being accepted into most Corps, including our own. (At this point we wish to dispel any ideas of dressing up in green tights and leaping about with a rapier in the manner of Robin Hood).
What's in a name?
Over the years the
Corps inevitably gathered to themselves young men of the same region. Thus the name ‘Corps
Austria zu Prag’ (as we were once known) implies that Corps Austria originally
comprised mostly students from Prague, which at the time of our founding was
part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Similarly,
students from the Rheinland who came to the city of Tübingen (in south-west
Germany) gave themselves the name of ‘Corps Rhenania Tübingen’.
Are there other Corps?
Yes. There are over one hundred Corps around Gemany and Austria, all with their own traditions. They are typically found in the great German and Austrian student cities including Heidelberg, Munich, Tübingen, Berlin and many others. If you are intending to study in a German or Austrian city other than Frankfurt, please contact us and we will be happy to make introductions to other Corps on your behalf.
Learn more about us
Indeed,
the history and complexity of corps is fascinating! So much so, that we never
tire of recounting our history and showing around visitors to our fraternity
building or ‘Corpshaus’ in Frankfurt, which is within walking distance of
Frankfurt University. Why not drop by for a visit?
If you would like to read our full history on Wikipedia in the meantime, why
not click here for the English language version.
Corps Austria - A brief history
Corps Austria was founded in Prague in 1861by students of the Karl-Ferdinand
University. In 1919, we arrived in Frankfurt, having decided to leave Prague in
the aftermath of the first World War. We have been here ever since and
represent an important historical and modern part of student life here in
Frankfurt.
Proud of Tradition but no stuck in the past!
Far from being rooted or 'stuck' in the past, we are conscious and respectful of the importance of our
heritage and the wonderful traditions we have kept alive. We still fence with
members of other corps. We still wear a corps band or ‘sash’ and student cap
for important events much like fraternity students have always done in Germany
and Austria.
Make your student years unforgettable!
We are nonetheless very much a modern and vibrant fraternity. We are students, just like you and are very interested in our careers, our studies, developing a productive network of contacts, making lots of friends and having a whale of a time during our years at University. With that in mind, where could you fit in? The only way is to call us or come to Corps Austria for a beer on the house.
Telephone 069 727159 or write to us: corps[at]austria.de