noun
die Wehrpflicht, none
compulsory military service
The German word "Wehrpflicht" is a noun composed of two parts:
- Wehr: meaning "defense" or "military"
- Pflicht: meaning "duty" or "obligation"
Meaning:
"Wehrpflicht" translates to military conscription or compulsory military service — the obligation to serve in the armed forces.
Similar words:
- Dienstpflicht (service obligation) – more general, can refer to any kind of compulsory service
- Militärdienstpflicht (military service duty) – a synonymous but more formal term
- Einberufung (call-up, conscription) – refers more to the act of drafting someone
Differences:
- Wehrpflicht specifically emphasizes the duty aspect of compulsory military service.
- Dienstpflicht is broader and can include non-military obligations.
- Einberufung describes the process (calling up) rather than the duty itself.
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Examples
Die Wehrpflicht dauert einige Monate.noun
The compulsory military service lasts several months.
Wird die Wehrpflicht in Deutschland wieder eingeführt?noun
Will compulsory military service be reintroduced in Germany?
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