German word

Streitkraft

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃtʁaɪ̯tˌkʁaft/

Meaning

  • feminine nounarmed forces

Example

Die Streitkräfte des Landes helfen bei Katastrophen.

The country's armed forces help during disasters.

Illustration for Streitkraft (armed forces)

More examples

Eine abschreckende Streitkraft kann Konfrontationen verhindern.

A deterrent military force can prevent confrontations.

Core concept

A country's coordinated defense apparatus, with personnel and equipment ready for combat or emergency deployment.

Common phrases

  • abschreckende Streitkraft

    deterrent military force

  • einsatzbereite Streitkraft

    deployable military force

Similar words

Militär: Military organizations and activities connected with war, national defense, or combat.
Armee: An organized force that conducts combat and military operations on land.
Bundeswehr: The official name of Germany's current federal armed forces.
Marine: A military branch organized to conduct operations and protect national interests at sea.

Definition in German

Die militärisch organisierten Kräfte eines Landes für Landesverteidigung und bewaffnete Einsätze.

Word origin

Streitkraft combines Streit, meaning conflict or struggle, with Kraft, meaning strength or power, forming a compound for an organized force used in war.

Usage tips

  • The singular is feminine, die Streitkraft, but the plural die Streitkräfte is the usual term for a country's armed forces.

Other meanings

  • military powernoun
  • military forcenoun

Related words

  • Streitkräftemangelshortage of military forcesnoun

Word lists with this word