fatherland
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fatherland
Refers to a person's country of origin, to which there is a strong emotional and often patriotic attachment. The term is historically and politically charged and is used less often today than the more neutral word 'Heimatland' (home country).
Im 19. Jahrhundert war die Bereitschaft groß, für das Vaterland in den Krieg zu ziehen.
In the 19th century, there was great willingness to go to war for the fatherland.
'Vaterland' (fatherland) is a compound noun made from 'Vater' (father) and 'Land' (country/land). The literal meaning, 'land of the father', explains the strong emotional and traditional bond that the word expresses.
Der Begriff 'Vaterland' betont die Herkunft wie von einem Vater.
The term 'Vaterland' emphasizes origin as if from a father.
This word has a strong historical and patriotic meaning. Today it is mainly used in political, military, or literary contexts and is not a neutral term for one's country of origin.
In alten Gedichten wird oft die Schönheit des Vaterlandes besungen.
In old poems, the beauty of the fatherland is often praised.
Because of its meaning, 'Vaterland' (fatherland) is often used in fixed expressions with a patriotic or military character, for example 'für das Vaterland kämpfen' (to fight for the fatherland), 'dem Vaterland dienen' (to serve the fatherland), or 'die Liebe zum Vaterland' (love for the fatherland).
Die Soldaten schworen, ihrem Vaterland treu zu dienen.
The soldiers swore to serve their fatherland faithfully.
homeland / home
Heimat and Vaterland can both refer to the country a person feels connected to. Heimat sounds more personal and can also mean a region or place, while Vaterland explicitly emphasizes a national and often patriotic connection. Heimat is usually the better choice for personal memories, while Vaterland is more suitable for patriotic statements.
In seiner Rede sprach der Politiker stolz von seinem Vaterland.
In his speech, the politician spoke proudly of his fatherland.
Nach vielen Jahren im Ausland vermisste sie ihre Heimat sehr.
After many years abroad, she missed her home very much.
