der
Soldat
💂 What Exactly is a Soldat?
Der Soldat (plural: die Soldaten) refers to a person who is a member of a state's armed forces. Soldaten typically serve in the military and are responsible for defending the country or for missions abroad. They wear uniforms and are armed.
It is a masculine noun. The feminine form is die Soldatin (the female soldier).
🚨 Attention: The word follows the N-declension (see grammar section).
Article rules for der, die, and das
Male characters → always masculine.
Caution: Most professions also have their feminine forms (e.g. die Polizistin). Some words can also have two forms: der/die Deutsche, der/die Kranke.
Grammar at a Glance: Der Soldat
The noun "Soldat" is masculine and belongs to the N-declension (N-Deklination). This means it takes the ending -en in all cases except the nominative singular.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Soldat |
| Genitive | des | Soldaten |
| Dative | dem | Soldaten |
| Accusative | den | Soldaten |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Soldaten |
| Genitive | der | Soldaten |
| Dative | den | Soldaten |
| Accusative | die | Soldaten |
Example Sentences
- Der Soldat salutiert vor dem Offizier. (The soldier salutes the officer.)
- Die Ausrüstung des Soldaten ist schwer. (The soldier's equipment is heavy.)
- Der General gibt dem Soldaten einen Befehl. (The general gives the soldier an order.)
- Ich sehe den Soldaten am Tor Wache stehen. (I see the soldier standing guard at the gate.)
- Die Soldaten marschieren im Gleichschritt. (The soldiers march in step.)
How is 'der Soldat' Used?
The term "Soldat" is mainly used in a military context.
- Direct Meaning: Refers to a member of the army, navy, air force, etc. (Der junge Mann wurde Soldat bei der Bundeswehr. - The young man became a soldier in the German army.)
- Hierarchy: Often distinguishes the enlisted rank from an officer. (Die Soldaten erhielten ihre Befehle von den Leutnanten. - The soldiers received their orders from the lieutenants.)
- Figurative Meaning (less common): Can describe someone who is disciplined or fights fiercely for a cause. (Er war ein treuer Soldat seiner Partei. - He was a loyal soldier of his party.)
- Historically: Also referred to mercenaries, someone fighting for `Sold` (pay).
Compared to "Kämpfer" (fighter), "Soldat" emphasizes belonging to an organized military structure.
Memory Hooks for 'der Soldat' 🤔
Article Mnemonic: Think of the pay (`Sold`), which der Mann (the man) receives. Der Sold dat (gives) the soldier his name (and article!). (Note: 'dat' is colloquial German for 'gibt'/'gives' or 'das'/'that').
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone who is SOLDier-like (disciplined) waiting for DAT command – a `Soldat`.
Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms for Soldat:
- Krieger: Warrior (often historical or a general term for someone who fights).
- Kämpfer: Fighter (general term, not necessarily military).
- Wehrpflichtiger/Rekrut: Conscript/Recruit (someone drafted into military service).
- Militärangehöriger: Member of the military (umbrella term).
- Landser (dated, often WWII): Colloquial term for a common soldier.
Antonyms for Soldat:
- Zivilist: Civilian (person not belonging to the military).
- Offizier: Officer (higher rank in the military, as opposed to an enlisted soldier).
- Pazifist: Pacifist (someone who opposes war and violence).
⚠️ Caution: Words like "Söldner" (mercenary - someone who fights only for pay) are not direct synonyms but have a related meaning.
A Little Joke 😄
Fragt der General den neuen Rekruten: "Soldat, warum sind Sie dem Heer beigetreten?"
Antwortet der Soldat: "Wegen der Kameradschaft, Herr General! Und weil meine Mutter meinte, ich soll endlich mal einen richtigen Job finden!"
Translation:
The general asks the new recruit: "Soldier, why did you join the army?"
The soldier replies: "For the camaraderie, General! And because my mother said I should finally find a real job!"
A Soldier in Verse 📜
Der Soldat, steht stramm und gerade,
In Uniform, auf der Parade.
Er lernt marschieren, lernt den Schuss,
Fürs Vaterland, ein harter Kuss.
Gehorchen muss er, Tag und Nacht,
Hat Pflichten, die er treu bewacht.
Translation:
The soldier, stands tall and straight,
In uniform, on parade.
He learns to march, learns the shot,
For the fatherland, a hard lot.
He must obey, day and night,
Has duties he guards with all his might.
A Little Riddle 🤔
Ich trage Uniform, doch nicht zur Feier.
Ich diene meinem Land, bin treu und teuer.
Ich kenne Befehl und Disziplin,
Marschiere oft, von hier bis nach Berlin.
Wer bin ich?
Translation:
I wear a uniform, but not for a party.
I serve my country, am loyal and costly.
I know command and discipline,
Often march, from here to Berlin.
Who am I?
(Solution: der Soldat / the soldier)
Interesting Facts about 'Soldat'
- Etymology: The word "Soldat" comes from the Italian word "soldato", which in turn derives from "soldo" (coin, pay). Originally, a `Soldat` was someone who served for pay (a mercenary).
- Compound Words: There are many compound words (Komposita) with "Soldat", e.g.:
- International: The word is similar in many languages (Eng. soldier, Fr. soldat, Span. soldado).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Soldat?
The word 'Soldat' is masculine, so the correct article is 'der Soldat' (the soldier). The feminine form is 'die Soldatin'. It follows the N-declension pattern (Genitive: des Soldaten, Plural: die Soldaten).