militia
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militia
A militarily organized force formed from the civilian population that does not belong to the standing army, but is called up only when needed to reinforce the regular army.
In der Schweiz basiert die Armee auf dem Milizsystem, bei dem die Bürger Wehrdienst leisten.
In Switzerland, the army is based on the militia system, in which citizens perform military service.
The meaning depends heavily on context. In connection with state defense systems, as in Switzerland, it has the neutral meaning of 'Bürgerheer' (citizens' army). In reports about conflicts and civil wars, however, 'Miliz' (militia) usually refers to a non-state armed group.
Die Schweizer Armee ist eine Milizarmee.
The Swiss army is a militia army.
The meaning 'Bürgerheer' (citizens' army) is often connected with the term 'Milizsystem' (militia system). This describes an organizational principle of an army in which the soldiers are civilians who serve only when needed.
Das Milizsystem hat in der Schweiz eine lange Tradition.
The militia system has a long tradition in Switzerland.
When 'Miliz' (militia) means a non-state fighting group, it is often described more specifically. Typical combinations are 'bewaffnete Miliz' (armed militia), 'feindliche Miliz' (enemy militia), or 'eine Miliz anführen/gründen' (to lead/found a militia).
Die UN-Truppen wurden von einer lokalen Miliz angegriffen.
The UN troops were attacked by a local militia.
army
'die Armee' and 'die Miliz' both have to do with armed groups. 'die Armee' is normally an official part of the state and is permanently organized. 'die Miliz' often consists of citizens who are called up only when needed, or of an armed group outside the official armed forces. Learners may confuse the words because both can fight or appear military. The important point is: 'Armee' sounds state-run and regular, while 'Miliz' sounds more supplementary, temporary, or unofficial.
In der Region kontrolliert eine Miliz mehrere Straßen.
In the region, a militia controls several roads.
Die Armee schützt wichtige Gebäude in der Hauptstadt.
The army protects important buildings in the capital.