military service
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military service
Service in a country's armed forces, performed either voluntarily or as part of compulsory military service.
In vielen Ländern müssen junge Männer noch immer einen obligatorischen Militärdienst ableisten.
In many countries, young men still have to complete compulsory military service.
The word is a clear compound made up of 'Militär' (military) and 'Dienst' (service). So it literally means 'Dienst beim Militär' (service in the military).
Nach der Schule wusste er nicht, ob er studieren oder zuerst seinen Militärdienst machen sollte.
After school, he did not know whether he should study or do his military service first.
The most common and neutral verb used with 'Militärdienst' (military service) is 'leisten' (to perform, to do). You 'leistet seinen Militärdienst' (do/perform your military service).
Er hat seinen Militärdienst bei der Marine geleistet.
He did his military service in the navy.
Important expressions are also 'zum Militärdienst eingezogen werden' (to be drafted for military service), when it is compulsory, and 'den Militärdienst verweigern' (to refuse military service), when someone does not want to take part for reasons of conscience.
Mit 18 wurde er zum Militärdienst eingezogen.
At 18, he was drafted for military service.
military service
Both words refer to service in the armed forces. Wehrdienst often emphasizes state-regulated compulsory or voluntary service, while Militärdienst is the more general expression. Wehrdienst is therefore particularly suitable when referring to compulsory military service; Militärdienst is appropriate for military service in general.
Nach der Schule beginnt Paul freiwillig seinen Militärdienst.
After finishing school, Paul is voluntarily beginning his military service.
Wegen der Wehrpflicht muss Paul im nächsten Jahr seinen Wehrdienst leisten.
Because of compulsory military service, Paul has to complete his military service next year.
