das  Regiment

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʁeɡiˈmɛnt/

🧐 What does "das Regiment" mean?

The German word das Regiment (neuter gender) primarily refers to a military unit. It's a large military formation usually consisting of several Bataillone (battalions) or Abteilungen (detachments/squadrons) and is often associated with a specific branch of service (e.g., Infanterie - infantry, Artillerie - artillery, Kavallerie - cavalry).

It essentially has this one main meaning and is always used with the article das.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar of "das Regiment" in Detail

The noun "Regiment" is neuter. It follows the strong declension pattern.

Example Sentences

• Das Regiment marschierte durch die Stadt. (The regiment marched through the city.)
• Der Befehlshaber des Regiments gab neue Anweisungen. (The commander of the regiment gave new instructions.)
• Dem Regiment wurden Verstärkungen zugeteilt. (Reinforcements were assigned to the regiment.)
• Die Parade zeigte mehrere Regimenter der Armee. (The parade showed several regiments of the army.)

🗣️ How to use "das Regiment"?

The term "Regiment" is almost exclusively used in a military or historical context.

• Military: To designate a specific organizational unit within an army. Example: Das Panzergrenadierregiment 99 ist hier stationiert. (Armored Infantry Regiment 99 is stationed here.)
• History: When describing past wars, battles, or military structures. Example: Im Dreißigjährigen Krieg kämpften viele verschiedene Regimenter. (Many different regiments fought in the Thirty Years' War.)
• Figurative (rare): Sometimes used metaphorically for a large, organized group, but this is uncommon and often archaic.

It's important not to confuse "Regiment" with smaller units like Kompanie (company) or Bataillon (battalion), or larger ones like Division or Armee (army).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Aid: Think of abstract organizational concepts in German, many of which are neuter ('das'). Imagine das System, das Prinzip, das Element – a regiment is an organizational element within the military system, hence das Regiment. It's neutral, just an organizational box.

Meaning Aid: Imagine soldiers being kept under a strict regimen, marching regularly. That's part of being in a Regiment.

🔁 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but different words:

• Regierung: (die Regierung) - The government (political leadership). Sounds similar, but has a completely different meaning.
• Regime: (das Regime) - Often used negatively for a form of rule or government.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der General den neuen Rekruten: "Können Sie marschieren?"
Sagt der Rekrut: "Wohin denn, Herr General? Das ganze Regiment steht doch schon hier rum!"

Translation:
The general asks the new recruit: "Can you march?"
The recruit says: "To where, Sir? The whole regiment is already standing around here!"

📜 Poem about the Regiment

Das Regiment

Im Gleichschritt fest, Reihe an Reih',
So zieht das Regiment vorbei.
Mit Trommelklang und Fahnentuch,
Geordnet streng, nach altem Bruch.

Ein Teil des Heeres, stark und groß,
Geht seiner Pflicht und seinem Los.
Man kennt es wohl, in Krieg und Zier,
Das Regiment, es steht nun hier.

Translation:

The Regiment

In steady step, row upon row,
Thus passes the regiment, to and fro.
With sound of drum and flag unfurled,
Strictly ordered, by ancient world.

A part of the army, strong and grand,
Follows its duty and its command.
Well known it is, in war and state,
The regiment, it stands here straight.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Teil vom Militär,
Bin größer als ein Bataillon, fürwahr.
Soldaten folgen meinem Kommando klar,
Oft bin ich schon sehr alt, manches Jahr.
Mit 'das' steh ich im Diktionär.

Was bin ich? Lösung: das Regiment

Translation:

I am a part of the military sphere,
Larger than a battalion, it's clear.
Soldiers follow my command so dear,
Often I am very old, many a year.
With 'das' in the dictionary I appear.

What am I?
Solution: das Regiment

💡 Other Interesting Facts

Etymology: The word "Regiment" comes from the French régiment, which in turn derives from the Latin word regimen, meaning "guidance," "direction," "rule," or "order." This reflects the organized and led nature of this military unit.

Historical Significance: Regimenter (regiments) often have long histories and traditions, sometimes linked to specific regions or ruling houses. Their names can be very specific (e.g., "Königlich Bayerisches Infanterie-Leib-Regiment" - Royal Bavarian Lifeguard Infantry Regiment).