der  Feldzug

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfɛlt͡suːk/

📖 What does „der Feldzug“ mean?

Der Feldzug (noun, masculine) refers to a large-scale military operation or campaign that extends over a specific period and geographical area. The goal is usually to gain strategic advantages, conquer territories, or defeat an opponent militarily.

The term is often used in a historical context to describe wars or parts thereof (e.g., Napoleons Russlandfeldzug – Napoleon's Russian campaign).

Less commonly, „Feldzug“ can also be used metaphorically for an intense campaign or effort in other areas (e.g., politics, advertising), although the word „Kampagne“ (campaign) is often preferred here.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Feldzug

The word „Feldzug“ is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Feldzug gegen den Feind begann im Frühjahr. (The campaign against the enemy began in spring.)
2. Die Geschichte dieses Feldzuges ist gut dokumentiert. (The history of this campaign is well documented.)
3. Der General führte seinen Feldzug mit großer Entschlossenheit. (The general led his campaign with great determination.)
4. Viele Soldaten nahmen an den napoleonischen Feldzügen teil. (Many soldiers participated in the Napoleonic campaigns.)

💡 How to use „Feldzug“

Contexts:

• Military & History: The most common use relates to military operations, especially in historical accounts. Example: „Der Russlandfeldzug Napoleons scheiterte dramatisch.“ (Napoleon's Russian campaign failed dramatically.)
• Strategic Planning: Used to describe a planned series of military actions. Example: „Die Planung des Feldzuges dauerte mehrere Monate.“ (The planning of the campaign took several months.)
• Metaphorical (rare): Sometimes used figuratively to describe an intense, focused effort in a non-military field. However, caution is advised as „Kampagne“ (e.g., Werbekampagne - advertising campaign, Wahlkampagne - election campaign) is often more appropriate. Example (rare): „Die Umweltschützer starteten einen Feldzug gegen die Umweltverschmutzung.“ (The environmentalists launched a campaign against pollution.)

Distinction from similar words:

• Kampagne: Often used in political, social, or advertising contexts. Can be military, but „Feldzug“ sounds more specific and often larger-scale or historical.
• Krieg (War): A broader term for armed conflict between states or groups. A Feldzug is usually part of a Krieg.
• Operation: Often a specific, time-limited military action within a campaign or war.

🧠 Mnemonics for Feldzug

1. For the article 'der': Imagine der General or der Soldat (masculine figures) planning the Feldzug on a map (a Feld - field) before they 'pull' or 'move' out (Zug - move/train). Masculine actors help remember "der".
2. For the meaning: Break down the word: A Feld (field) + a Zug (in the sense of 'pulling', 'moving', 'procession'). So, a Feldzug is the organized 'pulling' or movement of troops across (battle)fields to achieve a military objective. ➡️ Moving ('ziehen'/'Zug') across the field ('Feld').

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms for Feldzug

⚠️ Similar words (Potential for confusion):

• Umzug: Moving house or a parade/procession.
• Zug: Can mean a train, a movement/procession, or a draft of air.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der junge Rekrut seinen Feldwebel: „Herr Feldwebel, ist dieser Feldzug eigentlich barrierefrei?“

Translation: The young recruit asks his sergeant: "Sergeant, is this military campaign actually barrier-free/accessible?"

📜 Poem about the Feldzug

Der Feldzug

Über staubiges Feld, (Across the dusty field,)
ein langer Zug sich quält. (a long procession struggles.)
Der General hat's bestellt, (The general ordered it,)
die Schlacht, die bald entfällt. (the battle that soon unfolds.)

Trommeln dröhnen, Fahnen weh'n, (Drums roar, flags wave,)
Soldaten müssen vorwärts geh'n. (soldiers must go forward.)
Ein harter Weg, kaum zu versteh'n, (A hard path, difficult to understand,)
wird Frieden je entsteh'n? (will peace ever arise?)

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Zug, doch fahr' nicht auf Gleisen,
ich zieh' durchs Feld auf militärischen Weisen.
Generäle planen mich, Soldaten führen mich aus,
oft bring' ich Leid und großen Graus.

Was bin ich?

(I am a 'Zug' (procession/move), but don't run on tracks,
I move through the 'Feld' (field) in military ways.
Generals plan me, soldiers carry me out,
often I bring suffering and great horror.)

What am I?

Solution: der Feldzug

✨ Other Interesting Details

Word Composition:

The word „Feldzug“ is a compound noun, composed of:

• Feld: Refers here to the open ground, the battlefield, or the area of operations.
• Zug: In the sense of 'ziehen' (to pull, to move), 'marschieren' (to march), 'Bewegung' (movement). An organized movement of troops.

Historical Significance:

Feldzüge (campaigns) were often decisive turning points in history, shaping the fate of nations and empires. The analysis of military campaigns is an important part of military history.