01
der Rekrut
recruit
A person who is new to the military and is undergoing basic training.
example
Die jungen Rekruten mussten früh aufstehen und marschieren lernen.
The young recruits had to get up early and learn to march.
der Rekrut
recruit
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Der Rekrut' (the recruit) belongs to the word family of 'rekrutieren' (to recruit). The verb 'rekrutieren' means to enlist or hire new members (soldiers, employees). 'Der Rekrut' is the person who has been recruited.
EXAMPLE
Die Armee rekrutiert jedes Jahr tausende neue Soldaten.
The army recruits thousands of new soldiers every year.
Typical collocations
In a military context, 'Rekrut' (recruit) is often associated with words like 'Grundausbildung' (basic training), 'Kaserne' (barracks), or 'Drill' (drill). Common verbs are 'Rekruten ausbilden' (to train recruits) or 'Rekruten einziehen' (to call up recruits).
EXAMPLE
Die Rekruten lernen in der Grundausbildung die militärischen Grundlagen.
The recruits learn the military basics in basic training.
Figurative meaning
This meaning is figurative and is often used somewhat ironically for newcomers in a particular field. The context is usually not military, but, for example, political or professional.
EXAMPLE
Als neuer Rekrut im Parlament musste er sich erst Respekt verschaffen.
As a new recruit in parliament, he first had to earn respect.
Compare with
Rekrut vs Soldat
soldier
'Soldat' and 'Rekrut' can both refer to a person in the military. The difference is in experience and status. A 'Soldat' is generally a member of the armed forces. A 'Rekrut' is new to the military and still in basic training. So a recruit may later be a soldier, but not every soldier is a recruit. Figuratively, both words can also be used for people in groups: 'Soldat' then emphasizes discipline and loyalty, while 'Rekrut' emphasizes that someone is new and still inexperienced.
Rekrut
Der Rekrut lernt in den ersten Wochen, wie der Alltag in der Kaserne funktioniert.
In the first few weeks, the recruit learns how everyday life in the barracks works.
Soldat
Der Soldat hilft bei der Übung und erklärt den jüngeren Kameraden die Regeln.
The soldier helps with the exercise and explains the rules to his younger comrades.
In real life
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