German word

Veteran

Pronunciation

IPA/vetəˈʁaːn/

Meaning

  • masculine nounveteran

Example

Viele Veteranen treffen sich im Verein.

Many veterans meet at the club.

Illustration for Veteran (veteran)

More examples

Trotz seines Alters gilt er als Veteran im Team.

Despite his age, he is considered a veteran on the team.

Core concept

A seasoned former soldier whose years of service give him recognized standing among others.

Common phrases

  • als Veteran gelten

    be considered a veteran

  • ein erfahrener Veteran

    an experienced veteran

Similar words

Ehemaliger Soldat: A former member of the armed forces who is now a civilian.
Reservist: A reserve service member who can return to military duty when needed.
Soldat: A serving member of the armed forces with active military duties.

Definition in German

Ein früherer Soldat und oft eine respektvolle Bezeichnung für jemanden mit militärischer Erfahrung.

Word origin

German Veteran comes from Latin veteranus, meaning an old or experienced soldier, from vetus, meaning old.

Usage tips

  • Veteran is a masculine noun with the weak pattern: der Veteran, den Veteranen, and die Veteranen.

Other meanings

  • old handnoun

Opposites

  • Neulingnewcomernoun
  • Grünschnabelgreenhornnoun

Related words

  • Veteranenstatusveteran statusnoun
  • Veteranenverbandveterans' associationnoun

Word lists with this word