der Veteran
veteran
A person who has served as a soldier for a long time, especially in a war.
EXAMPLE
Am Gedenktag trafen sich die Veteranen des Zweiten Weltkriegs.
On the day of remembrance, the veterans of the Second World War met.
der Veteran
veteran
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Meanings
der Veteran
veteran
A person who has very long experience in a particular field, profession, or activity.
EXAMPLE
Nach 40 Jahren im Parlament gilt er als politischer Veteran.
After 40 years in parliament, he is considered a political veteran.
Usage tips
Context clue
To understand the meaning, pay attention to the context. Words like 'Krieg' (war), 'Armee' (army), or 'Soldat' (soldier) point to a former soldier. Terms from work, politics, or sports point to an experienced person.
EXAMPLE
Der Veteran erzählte von seinen Erlebnissen im Krieg.
The veteran told stories about his experiences in the war.
Typical collocations
In a military context, it is often specified which war the person served in. Typical compounds are 'Kriegsveteran' (war veteran) or a genitive construction such as 'ein Veteran des Vietnamkriegs' (a veteran of the Vietnam War).
EXAMPLE
Jedes Jahr findet ein Treffen für die Veteranen des Zweiten Weltkriegs statt.
Every year, a meeting is held for the veterans of the Second World War.
Usage pattern
When an experienced person is meant, the field is often named directly. This usually happens with an adjective ('ein politischer Veteran' — a political veteran) or a genitive ('ein Veteran des Parlaments' — a veteran of parliament).
EXAMPLE
Mit 30 Jahren im Unternehmen ist sie eine Veteranin der Firma.
With 30 years at the company, she is a veteran of the firm.
Compare with
Veteran vs Soldat
soldier
Soldat refers to the military role and says nothing about how long someone has served. Veteran, on the other hand, emphasizes a long period of service, especially extensive experience in war. A new member of the armed forces is therefore a Soldat, but not yet a Veteran.
Veteran
Der erfahrene Veteran hat viele Jahre im Krieg gedient.
The experienced veteran served in the war for many years.
Soldat
Der junge Soldat hat gerade seine militärische Ausbildung beendet.
The young soldier has just completed his military training.
In real life
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