German word

Bundeswehr

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈbʊndəsˌveːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • feminine nounGerman armed forces

Example

Die Einheit der Bundeswehr ist bereit.

The unit of the German armed forces is ready.

Illustration for Bundeswehr (German armed forces)

More examples

Viele Zivilisten interessieren sich für die Bundeswehr.

Many civilians are interested in the German armed forces.

Core concept

Germany's federal military institution, including its personnel, units, defense operations, alliance duties, and humanitarian missions.

Common phrases

  • bei der Bundeswehr arbeiten

    work for the German armed forces

  • in der Bundeswehr dienen

    serve in the German armed forces

  • das Personal der Bundeswehr

    personnel of the German armed forces

Similar words

Streitkräfte: A formal term for a nation's complete military establishment and its branches.
Armee: A land-based military force made up of soldiers and organized units.
Militär: Military forces and activities considered as a broad general concept.

Definition in German

Die Bundeswehr bezeichnet die offiziellen Streitkräfte der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, die der Verteidigung des Landes, der Erfüllung internationaler Bündnisaufgaben und humanitären Einsätzen dienen.

Word origin

The compound combines Bund, meaning federation, with Wehr, meaning defense or protection, to name Germany's federal armed forces.

Usage tips

  • Bundeswehr is usually a singular collective noun with the feminine article die, and it normally has no plural form.

Opposites

Related words

  • Bundeswehrangehörigermember of the German armed forcesnoun
  • Bundeswehrsoldatsoldier in the German armed forcesnoun

Word lists with this word