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
der Rekrut
new recruit
Used figuratively for a new, inexperienced member of an organization, club, or group.
EXAMPLE
Als politischer Rekrut musste er sich erst in die komplexen Abläufe einarbeiten.
As a political recruit, he first had to familiarize himself with the complex procedures.
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 Anfänger
beginner
Anfänger and Rekrut can both refer to an inexperienced person. „Anfänger“ highlights limited experience in an activity, while „Rekrut“ refers to new membership in an organization, especially the military. Use „Rekrut“ when this organizational status is essential.
Rekrut
Der Rekrut beginnt heute seine Grundausbildung beim Militär.
The recruit begins basic training in the military today.
Anfänger
Der Anfänger übt auf dem Schießplatz noch die grundlegenden Handgriffe.
The beginner is still practicing the basic procedures at the shooting range.
In real life
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