die  Wehrpflicht

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈveːɐ̯ˌpflɪçt/

📜 What does "die Wehrpflicht" mean?

Die Wehrpflicht is the German term for compulsory military service or conscription. It refers to the legal obligation for citizens (historically mostly men) to serve in the military for a specific period. It's a tool used by countries to ensure sufficient personnel for their armed forces.

In Germany, die Wehrpflicht has been suspended (ausgesetzt) since July 1, 2011, but not abolished (abgeschafft). This means it could potentially be reactivated in times of tension or defense (Spannungs- oder Verteidigungsfall). 🇩🇪⚖️

It represents an abstract concept, so it's primarily used in the singular.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Die Wehrpflicht

The word "Wehrpflicht" is a feminine noun. The article is die.

Declension (Deklination):

Since "Wehrpflicht" is an abstract concept, it is almost exclusively used in the singular. The plural ("die Wehrpflichten") is very rare and would typically refer to the conscription systems of different countries or historical periods.

Example Sentences (Beispielsätze):

• Die Wehrpflicht wurde in Deutschland ausgesetzt. (Compulsory military service was suspended in Germany.)
• Er musste wegen der Wehrpflicht zur Musterung. (He had to go for the military physical examination because of conscription.)
• Viele Länder diskutieren über die Wiedereinführung der Wehrpflicht. (Many countries are discussing the reintroduction of compulsory military service.)

🗣️ Usage in Context

"Die Wehrpflicht" is mainly used in political, social, legal, and military discussions.

• Context: Debates about security policy, personnel strength of the German army (Bundeswehr), generational equity, civic duties.
• Related Terms:
  • Wehrdienst: The actual military service performed due to Wehrpflicht.
  • Zivildienst: Alternative civilian service for recognized conscientious objectors (when Wehrpflicht was active).
  • Musterung: The medical examination to determine fitness for military service.
  • Aussetzung: The current status in Germany – inactive, but still anchored in law.
• Contrast: A Berufsarmee (professional army) or Freiwilligenarmee (volunteer army) is not based on general conscription but on voluntary enlistment.

🧠 Mnemonics for Wehrpflicht

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'die Pflicht' (the duty/obligation). In German, abstract concepts ending in '-ung', '-heit', '-keit', '-schaft', and '-t' (like Pflicht) are often feminine ('die'). So: die Wehrpflicht.

Meaning Mnemonic: Break it down: 'Wehr' sounds like 'we're' defending, and relates to defense (sich wehren = to defend oneself). 'Pflicht' means duty. So, Wehrpflicht is the 'duty to defend' or 'military service duty'.

↔️ Opposites and Synonyms

⚠️ Similar but different terms:

• Wehrdienst: The actual service, not the obligation itself.
• Wehrübung: A military exercise for reservists.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Ausbilder den Rekruten: "Haben Sie gedient?"
Rekrut: "Nein, ich wurde eingezogen."

English Translation: The instructor asks the recruit: "Have you served?"
Recruit: "No, I was drafted."

(Pun: In German, "gedient" can mean both "served (military)" and "served (a purpose)/been useful". The recruit cheekily implies the latter by contrasting it with being drafted/forced into service.)

✍️ Poem about Wehrpflicht

German:
Die Pflicht, dem Ruf zu folgen,
Zur Wehr für Stadt und Land,
Ein Dienst, von manchen überdacht,
Nun ruhend in der Hand
Des Staates, der entscheidet,
Ob Jugend wieder zieht,
Zur Fahne, wenn Gefahr besteht,
Ein altes, ernstes Lied.

English Translation:
The duty, to follow the call,
To arms for town and land,
A service, reconsidered by some,
Now resting in the hand
Of the state, which decides,
If youth will march again,
To the flag, when danger looms,
An old, serious refrain.

🧩 Little Riddle

German:
Ich bin eine Pflicht, doch ruh' ich oft,
Betraf vor allem junge Männer.
Im Gesetz steh' ich, doch unverhofft
Wird mein Ruf nach Dienst nicht lauter, nur leiser, Kenner.

Was bin ich?

English Translation:
I am a duty, yet I often rest,
I concerned mainly young men.
In law I stand, but unexpectedly expressed,
My call to service grows not louder, just quieter then.

What am I?

Solution: die Wehrpflicht (compulsory military service)

🌐 Other Information

Word Composition (Wortzusammensetzung):

"Wehrpflicht" is a compound noun made of:

• Die Wehr: Meaning defense, resistance (archaically also weapon).
• Die Pflicht: Meaning duty, obligation, compulsion.

Together: The duty of defense / duty for military service.

Historical Context: Conscription has a long and varied history in Germany, being adjusted, abolished, and reintroduced multiple times. Its suspension in 2011 was a significant decision in security policy.