Landwehr
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militia reserve
A historical form of army levy made up of men who were subject to military service but were not on active duty and were called up for national defense in wartime, especially in Prussia.
Im 19. Jahrhundert war die Landwehr ein wichtiger Teil der preußischen Armee.
In the 19th century, the Landwehr was an important part of the Prussian army.
defensive earthwork
A medieval or early modern fortification in the landscape, usually consisting of a rampart and a ditch, used to secure borders or protect a territory.
Bei der Wanderung durch den Wald entdeckten sie die Überreste einer alten Landwehr.
During the hike through the forest, they discovered the remains of an old defensive earthwork.
The word is made up of 'Land' (land/country) and 'Wehr' (defense). 'Wehr' is an old word for defense. So a 'Landwehr' is literally a 'defense of the land,' which applies to both meanings.
Der Name des Flusses „Landwehr“ erinnert an die alte Grenzbefestigung.
The name of the river 'Landwehr' recalls the old border fortification.
Both meanings of the word are historical. Do not use it for modern armies or fortifications. It is a term from history, especially from the Middle Ages and the 19th century.
In Geschichtsbüchern liest man oft von der preußischen Landwehr.
In history books, you often read about the Prussian Landwehr.
To distinguish the meanings, pay attention to the context. If soldiers, regiments, or the army are mentioned, people are meant. If a rampart, ditch, remains, or landscape is mentioned, the fortification is meant.
Sein Urgroßvater diente in der Landwehr.
His great-grandfather served in the Landwehr.
The fortification can often only be recognized today as 'Überrest' (remains) in the forest or in fields. The name has also been preserved in many street or place names, such as 'An der Landwehr' (At the Landwehr).
Die Straße „An der Landwehr“ markiert den Verlauf der alten Stadtgrenze.
The street 'An der Landwehr' marks the course of the old city boundary.
militia
Miliz and Landwehr can both refer to a force formed from civilians outside the active army. Landwehr, however, is a historically institutionalized form of army levy, especially associated with Prussia, while Miliz is more general. Choose „Landwehr“ for this historical system and usually „Miliz“ otherwise.
Im preußischen Staat wurde die Landwehr im Kriegsfall zur Landesverteidigung einberufen.
In the Prussian state, the Landwehr was called up in wartime to defend the country.
Im Bedarfsfall wurde die Miliz aus der Zivilbevölkerung zur Verstärkung der Armee einberufen.
When needed, the militia was called up from the civilian population to reinforce the army.
