German word

Zivildienst

Pronunciation

IPA/t͡siˈviːlˌdiːnst/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncivilian service

Example

Er leistet seinen Zivildienst im Krankenhaus.

He is doing his civilian service at the hospital.

Illustration for Zivildienst (civilian service)

More examples

Viele entscheiden sich aus Gewissensgründen für Zivildienst.

Many people choose civilian service for reasons of conscience.

Core concept

A civilian assignment that supports patients, vulnerable people, or community institutions in place of military duty.

Common phrases

  • Zivildienst leisten

    perform civilian service

  • Zivildienst absolvieren

    complete civilian service

Similar words

Wehrdienst: A required period of training and duty as a soldier in the armed forces.
Ersatzdienst: Public service carried out as a substitute for military duty under conscription.
Freiwilligendienst: Voluntary service supporting social welfare, education, or other community work.
Bundesfreiwilligendienst: A state-organized voluntary service program available regardless of age.

Definition in German

Zivildienst bezeichnet den als Ersatz für den Wehrdienst geleisteten Dienst in sozialen, medizinischen oder gemeinnützigen Einrichtungen.

Word origin

Zivildienst combines zivil, from Latin civilis for civilian, with Dienst for service or duty, describing service performed outside the armed forces.

Usage tips

  • Zivildienst is a masculine noun, so its definite form is 'der Zivildienst' and its accusative form is also 'den Zivildienst'.

Other meanings

  • community servicenoun
  • social servicenoun

Opposites

  • Wehrdienstmilitary servicenoun

Related words

  • Zivildienstpflichtcivilian service obligationnoun
  • zivildienstpflichtigsubject to compulsory civilian serviceadjective

Word lists with this word