der Soldat
soldier
A member of a country's armed forces who has received military training.
EXAMPLE
Der Soldat stand in seiner Uniform Wache vor dem Gebäude.
The soldier stood guard in his uniform in front of the building.
der Soldat
soldier
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Meanings
der Soldat
soldier
In a figurative sense, a person who fights or works in a disciplined and loyal way for a cause, an organization, or an idea.
EXAMPLE
Er gilt als treuer Soldat der Partei, der jede Entscheidung mitträgt.
He is considered a loyal soldier of the party who goes along with every decision.
Usage tips
N-declension
'Der Soldat' (soldier) is a weak masculine noun (N-declension). This means it gets the ending '-en' in all cases except the nominative singular: den/dem/des Soldaten.
EXAMPLE
Ich sehe den Soldaten.
I see the soldier.
Word structure
The word 'Soldat' (soldier) is derived from the word 'der Sold' (military pay). Historically, 'Sold' was the payment that a mercenary or soldier received for his services.
EXAMPLE
Die Soldaten erhielten ihren monatlichen Sold.
The soldiers received their monthly pay.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used with 'Soldat' (soldier) are 'dienen' (to serve, as a soldier), 'werden' (to become, as in to become a soldier), and 'sein' (to be). People also speak of a 'Soldaten im Einsatz' (soldier on deployment).
EXAMPLE
Er wollte schon immer als Soldat seinem Land dienen.
He had always wanted to serve his country as a soldier.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning when 'Soldat' (soldier) is connected with a non-military organization, for example 'ein treuer Soldat der Partei' (a loyal soldier of the party) or 'ein Soldat des Unternehmens' (a soldier of the company).
EXAMPLE
Er gilt als loyaler Soldat seiner Firma und arbeitet auch am Wochenende.
He is considered a loyal soldier of his company and works even on weekends.
Compare with
Soldat vs Kämpfer
fighter
A Soldat is a member of the armed forces and has military training. Kämpfer is a more general term for someone who actually takes part in a physical fight; this can also be a soldier. Soldat is the appropriate term for military affiliation, while Kämpfer is used for active participation in a fight.
Soldat
Der Soldat dient seit zwei Jahren in der Armee.
The soldier has been serving in the army for two years.
Kämpfer
Der Kämpfer verteidigt seine Stellung im Gefecht.
The fighter defends his position in the battle.
In real life
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