01
zivil
civilian
Not belonging to the military; civilian.
example
Nach seiner Zeit bei der Armee trug er nur noch zivile Kleidung.
After his time in the army, he only wore civilian clothing.
zivil
civil / civilian
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'zivil' (civil/civilian) belongs to a word family related to civilian life. This also includes the noun 'der Zivilist' (a person who does not belong to the military) and 'die Zivilisation' (a high stage of social development).
EXAMPLE
Auch als Zivilist interessierte er sich weiterhin für militärische Themen.
Even as a civilian, he continued to be interested in military topics.
Context clue
You can often recognize the meaning “not military” from context. The word is frequently used as a direct contrast to anything connected with the military, police, or uniforms.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Dienst zog der Polizist seine zivile Kleidung an.
After his shift, the police officer put on his civilian clothes.
Typical collocations
In connection with “not military,” 'zivil' (civilian) is often used for people or things. Typical combinations are 'die zivile Bevölkerung' (the civilian population), 'zivile Opfer' (civilian casualties), or 'zivile Nutzung' (civilian use) of a site.
EXAMPLE
Das ehemalige Militärgelände wird nun für zivile Zwecke genutzt.
The former military site is now used for civilian purposes.
Register and context
The meaning “relating to private law” is technical language from the legal field. You will find it in contexts involving courts, lawsuits, or laws.
EXAMPLE
Der Streit um den Gartenzaun führte zu einem zivilen Prozess.
The dispute over the garden fence led to a civil trial.
Typical collocations
When it is about polite interaction, 'zivil' (civil) is often combined with words that describe communication. Common phrases are 'ein ziviler Ton' (a civil tone) or 'ein ziviler Umgang' (civil interaction).
EXAMPLE
Bitte lasst uns diese Diskussion in einem zivilen Ton führen.
Please, let's have this discussion in a civil tone.
Compare with
zivil vs privat
private
'privat' and 'zivil' can seem similar because both can sound not official or not state-related. But the difference is important: 'privat' means that someone is acting as a private individual or that something belongs to the personal sphere. 'zivil' mainly means: not military, that is, belonging to normal civilian life. You can confuse the words when talking about clothing, roles, or people. When contrasting something with the military, 'zivil' fits; when contrasting something with work, office, or the public sphere, 'privat' usually fits.
zivil
Nach dem Dienst trägt der Soldat zivile Kleidung.
After duty, the soldier wears civilian clothing.
privat
David spricht privat mit dem Arzt über seine Sorgen.
David talks privately with the doctor about his worries.
In real life
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