The passion surrounding Borussia Dortmund is like no other. The history behind the club’s name is equally unique. With the Bundesliga giants squaring off against Newcastle in the Champions League, let’s look at why the team adopted the nickname “BVB” in the first place.
What does the “Borussia” mean in BVB?
Beyond the roaring crowds and iconic yellow and black kits, the nickname “BVB” holds historical significance that traces back to the club’s inception.
First off, the term “Borussia” is a Latinized version of the word “Prussia.”
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many German clubs adopted the names of their respective regions or federal states. This naming practice yielded team names like Borussia Dortmund, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Preußen Münster, and even Bayern München.
The nitty gritty behind the “BVB” moniker
Now, let’s get into the gritty details behind why supporters call the club “BVB.”
Well, the club’s founders plucked the initial name from one of the city’s pubs called Borussia-Brauerei. They then registered the club name in its entirety: Ballspielverein [Ball Club] Borussia 09 e.V. Dortmund.
The acronym “BVB,” pronounced as ‘bay-fow-bay’ in German, originates from Borussia Dortmund’s full official name, which is Ballspielverein Borussia 09 e.V. Dortmund. The name translates to Ball Game Club – Borussia – 1909 – Registered Association – Dortmund.
For simplification, fans clung to and compounded the words “Ballspielverein Borussia” into BVB. And for good reason – Ballspiel- Verein Borussia is much shorter than Ballspielverein Borussia 09 e.V. Dortmund. “BVB” makes it much easier for fans to rally behind their team, especially when that name is a mouthful!
Can BVB beat Newcastle tonight in the Champions League group stages?
Name aside, the BVB needs all the luck they can get tonight. The German side has lost its last six games in a row in England. They sit at the bottom of Group F, having lost to PSG and tied AC Milan.
Meanwhile, the Magpies look to continue their good form at home. They top the Group after drubbing PSG 4-1 earlier this month.
Dissecting the acronym BVB
| Component | Description | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| BVB | Acronym for Ballspielverein Borussia | Shortened form of official name |
| Pronunciation | ‘Bay-fow-bay’ in German | German pronunciation of BVB |
| Ballspielverein | Ball Game Club | Describes the nature of the club (Football/Soccer) |
| Borussia | Latinized form of “Prussia” | Name taken from a local pub, Borussia-Brauerei |
| 09 | Year of Foundation (1909) | The club was founded in 1909 |
| e.V. | Registered Association | Legal status of the club |
| Dortmund | City of Origin | The club is based in Dortmund, Germany |
Photo: Instagram/bvb09
