civilian service
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civilian service
A state-organized alternative service for conscripts who refuse military service with weapons for reasons of conscience. The service is usually performed in social institutions such as hospitals or nursing homes.
Anstatt zur Bundeswehr zu gehen, hat mein Bruder damals seinen Zivildienst in einem Kindergarten abgeleistet.
Instead of going into the German armed forces, my brother did his civilian service in a kindergarten back then.
'Zivildienst' (civilian service) is a compound word made up of 'zivil' (civilian, non-military) and 'Dienst' (service). So it literally means 'civilian service'.
Er hat seinen Zivildienst in einem Altenheim gemacht.
He did his civilian service in a retirement home.
Civilian service was the alternative to compulsory military service in Germany and Austria. Since compulsory military service has been suspended in Germany, classic civilian service no longer exists today, but the concept is historically important.
Früher war die Frage für junge Männer oft: Bundeswehr oder Zivildienst?
In the past, the question for young men was often: the German armed forces or civilian service?
In connection with 'Zivildienst' (civilian service), the verbs 'leisten' (to perform/serve) or 'machen' (to do) are usually used. You perform or do your civilian service 'in' or 'bei' (at/with) a social institution.
Viele junge Männer mussten früher Zivildienst leisten.
Many young men used to have to perform civilian service.
conscription
'die Wehrpflicht' and 'der Zivildienst' both belong to the topic of state service. But they do not mean the same thing. 'Wehrpflicht' is the legal obligation to do military service. 'Zivildienst' is an alternative service for conscripts who, for reasons of conscience, do not want to serve with weapons. This service usually takes place in social institutions, not in the military. Learners may confuse the words because 'Zivildienst' only becomes important in connection with 'Wehrpflicht'. 'die Wehrpflicht' is the obligation; 'der Zivildienst' is a possible alternative to armed service.
Tom hat seinen Zivildienst in einem Pflegeheim gemacht.
Tom did his civilian service in a nursing home.
Viele Jugendliche diskutieren in der Schule über die Wehrpflicht.
Many young people discuss conscription at school.