German Conversation · Level 90
60 words
German word
Wehrpflicht
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈveːɐ̯ˌpflɪçt/
Meaning
- feminine nouncompulsory military service
Example
Die Wehrpflichten unterscheiden sich von Land zu Land.
Compulsory military service differs from country to country.
More examples
Im Wahlkampf steht die Wehrpflicht oft im Mittelpunkt.
In election campaigns, compulsory military service is often the focus.
Core concept
A legal switch can move civilians from ordinary life into military service when the state calls them up.
Common phrases
für die Wehrpflicht stimmen
vote in favor of compulsory military service
über die Wehrpflicht abstimmen
vote on compulsory military service
Similar words
Wehrdienst: Military duties carried out after joining the armed forces as a conscript or volunteer.
Zivildienst: Required civilian service supporting healthcare, care work, or other social needs.
Wehrersatzdienst: A public service obligation imposed as a replacement for conscription.
Dienstpflicht: A general civic duty to provide a mandated public service.
Definition in German
Wehrpflicht ist die gesetzliche Pflicht der Staatsbürger, bei Einberufung Militärdienst zu leisten.
Word origin
Wehrpflicht is a native German compound of Wehr and Pflicht, combining the ideas of defense and a binding duty.
Usage tips
- Wehrpflicht names the obligation or system, whereas Wehrdienst names the military service carried out under that obligation.
Other meanings
- conscriptionnoun
Opposites
- Berufsheerprofessional armynoun
Related words
- Wehrpflichtgesetzcompulsory military service lawnoun
- wehrpflichtigsubject to compulsory military serviceadjective