armed force
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armed forces
The totality of a state's military units that serve to defend the country. The term is usually used in the plural ('die Streitkräfte') for the entire army, navy, and air force.
Die Bundeswehr ist die Streitkraft der Bundesrepublik Deutschland.
The Bundeswehr is the armed force of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The word is made up of 'Streit' (conflict, fight) and 'Kraft' (force). A 'Streitkraft' is therefore literally a 'force for conflict' or a 'fighting force'.
Die Streitkräfte sollen den Frieden sichern.
The armed forces are supposed to secure peace.
The word is almost always used in the plural: 'die Streitkräfte' (the armed forces). This refers to a country's entire military (army, navy, air force). The singular 'die Streitkraft' is very rare.
Die Vereinten Nationen haben bewaffnete Streitkräfte in der Region stationiert.
The United Nations has stationed armed forces in the region.
Common verbs used with 'Streitkräfte' (armed forces) are 'einsetzen' (to deploy), 'stationieren' (to station), or belonging to an organization, as in 'den Streitkräften angehören' (to be a member of the armed forces).
Deutschland wird weitere Streitkräfte nach Litauen entsenden.
Germany will send additional armed forces to Lithuania.
military
Both “das Militär” and “die Streitkräfte” can refer to a state’s armed forces. “Das Militär” is the more general term, while “die Streitkräfte” particularly refers to the entirety of the organized units. When speaking generally about this area, “Militär” is usually appropriate; when referring to the complete force, “Streitkräfte” is more suitable.
Die Streitkräfte des Landes bestehen aus Heer, Marine und Luftwaffe.
The country’s armed forces consist of the army, navy, and air force.
Das Militär des Landes beteiligt sich an einer internationalen Übung.
The country’s military is taking part in an international exercise.
