military service
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military service
Service in a country's armed forces, especially during a war. The term is often used synonymously with compulsory military service, but emphasizes the aspect of armed conflict.
Im Zweiten Weltkrieg wurden viele junge Männer zum Kriegsdienst eingezogen.
In the Second World War, many young men were drafted for military service.
to refuse military service
To refuse to take part in armed service for reasons of conscience. This is a legally recognized right in many countries.
Er hat den Kriegsdienst verweigert und stattdessen einen zivilen Ersatzdienst geleistet.
He refused military service and performed civilian alternative service instead.
The word is made up of 'der Krieg' (war), the linking '-s', and 'der Dienst' (service). So it literally means 'service in war'.
Sein Großvater musste damals noch Kriegsdienst leisten.
His grandfather still had to perform military service back then.
Common verbs in this context are 'Kriegsdienst leisten' (to perform military service) or 'zum Kriegsdienst eingezogen werden' (to be drafted for military service by the state).
Mit 18 Jahren wurde er zum Kriegsdienst eingezogen.
At the age of 18, he was drafted for military service.
Refusal of service is almost always expressed with the fixed phrase 'den Kriegsdienst verweigern' (to refuse military service). The noun is in the accusative here.
Er hat das Recht, den Kriegsdienst aus Gewissensgründen zu verweigern.
He has the right to refuse military service for reasons of conscience.
military service
Wehrdienst refers to regulated compulsory or voluntary service in the armed forces. Kriegsdienst can be used in a similar way, but emphasizes serving with weapons or serving during an armed conflict. Without this particular association, Wehrdienst is usually more suitable.
Während des bewaffneten Konflikts muss Jonas Kriegsdienst leisten.
During the armed conflict, Jonas has to serve in the military.
Während seines Wehrdienstes erhält Jonas eine militärische Grundausbildung.
During his military service, Jonas receives basic military training.
