der Dienst
der Dienst في 30 ثانية
- Dienst refers to official duty, particularly in military, medical, or government contexts.
- Commonly used in phrases like 'im Dienst' (on duty) and 'außer Dienst' (off duty).
- It differs from 'Arbeit' by implying a more formal, institutionalized obligation.
- In a military context, it specifically means active service or the duration of enlistment.
The German noun der Dienst is a multifaceted term that fundamentally describes the performance of duties, particularly within a structured or hierarchical environment. In the context of military service, it refers to the period and the specific tasks an individual performs while serving in the armed forces (Bundeswehr). Historically and legally, this encompasses everything from 'Grundwehrdienst' (basic military service) to 'Dienst an der Waffe' (armed service). It implies a sense of obligation, discipline, and official capacity. When someone is 'im Dienst', they are currently on duty, meaning they are active and available for their assigned military or professional tasks.
- Militärischer Dienst
- The specific obligation to serve in the military, often involving training and active deployment.
- Dienstgrad
- The rank one holds within the military hierarchy, determining authority and responsibility.
- Dienstpflicht
- The legal requirement or compulsory service mandated by the state.
"Er hat seinen Dienst bei der Marine im Jahr 2010 angetreten." (He started his service in the Navy in 2010.)
Beyond the military, 'Dienst' applies to civil service, emergency services (Feuerwehr, Rettungsdienst), and general employment shifts. However, the military connotation remains one of its strongest traditional pillars. It carries a weight of formality that 'Arbeit' (work) does not. While 'Arbeit' is the activity, 'Dienst' is the institutionalized role. In a military setting, 'Dienst' is not just a job; it is a status. If a soldier is 'außer Dienst' (a.D.), it signifies retirement or being off-duty. This distinction is crucial for understanding German administrative and social structures where 'Dienst' represents a commitment to the public good or the state's security.
"Der Soldat wurde wegen hervorragender Leistungen im Dienst befördert."
"Während des Dienstes ist das Tragen der Uniform obligatorisch."
Using der Dienst correctly requires understanding its collocations and prepositional use. In a military or official context, the preposition 'in' or 'im' (in + dem) is most common. To say someone is currently working their shift or is active in the military, you say they are 'im Dienst'. Conversely, if they have finished their shift or retired, they are 'außer Dienst'. When discussing the act of performing service, the verb 'leisten' is almost always used: 'seinen Dienst leisten' (to do/perform one's service).
- Dienst tun
- An older or more formal way to say one is performing their duties.
- Dienst nach Vorschrift
- A specific idiom meaning to do only the absolute minimum required by the rules, often as a form of protest.
In terms of grammar, 'Dienst' is a masculine noun. Its genitive form is 'des Dienstes' and the plural is 'die Dienste'. In compound words, it often appears as a prefix (Dienstwagen, Dienstgrad, Dienstzeit) or a suffix (Zivildienst, Wehrdienst, Rettungsdienst). When you are talking about military service specifically, 'Wehrdienst' is the more precise term, but in daily conversation within the military, 'Dienst' is the standard shorthand. For example, 'Dienstbeginn' refers to the start of the duty day.
"Nach zwölf Jahren Dienst verließ er die Bundeswehr."
You will encounter der Dienst in several specific environments. Firstly, in news reports regarding the military or national security, terms like 'Geheimdienst' (secret service) or 'Militärdienst' are ubiquitous. In German cities, you will see signs for 'Rettungsdienst' (emergency medical services) on ambulances. In a professional office setting, you might hear about 'Dienstwege' (official channels) or 'Dienstreisen' (business trips). The word carries a connotation of 'officialdom'.
In military barracks (Kasernen), the word is everywhere: 'Dienstplan' (duty roster), 'Dienstschluss' (end of duty), and 'Dienstanweisung' (service instruction). It is a word that defines the rhythm of life for soldiers and civil servants (Beamte). If you watch German crime dramas (Krimis), the police officers will frequently discuss who is 'im Dienst' or 'außer Dienst' during a crime. It establishes the legal authority of the character at that moment.
"Der Dienstplan für die nächste Woche wurde bereits veröffentlicht."
A common mistake for learners is confusing Dienst with Service. While 'Service' is used for customer service in a restaurant or technical support, 'Dienst' refers to the duty or the institution. You wouldn't say 'Der Dienst in diesem Restaurant ist gut'; you would say 'Der Service ist gut'. However, you would say 'Der öffentliche Dienst' (the public service/sector).
Another mistake is using 'Arbeit' when 'Dienst' is required in an official capacity. If a soldier says 'Ich gehe zur Arbeit', it sounds informal and slightly incorrect; 'Ich trete meinen Dienst an' is the proper military phrasing. Also, pay attention to the plural. 'Dienste' is often used in the sense of 'favors' or 'services rendered' (jemandem gute Dienste leisten), which is a more abstract use than the military 'duty'.
Wrong: "Er ist heute nicht bei der Arbeit (when referring to a soldier on duty)."
Right: "Er ist heute nicht im Dienst."
Several words share semantic space with der Dienst. Die Pflicht (duty/obligation) is the moral or legal necessity, whereas 'Dienst' is the actual performance of that duty. Die Beschäftigung is a general term for employment or being busy. Das Amt refers to an official position or office, often held by someone in 'Dienst'.
- Wehrdienst
- Specifically military service.
- Zivildienst
- Alternative civilian service for conscientious objectors (historical).
- Schicht
- A work shift, often used in industrial contexts, whereas 'Dienst' is used in medical or military contexts.
"Sein Dienst am Vaterland war ihm sehr wichtig."
How Formal Is It?
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دليل النطق
مستوى الصعوبة
قواعد يجب معرفتها
أمثلة حسب المستوى
Er hat heute Dienst.
He has duty today.
Simple present tense.
Der Dienst beginnt um acht.
The service starts at eight.
Subject + Verb + Time.
Ist der Arzt im Dienst?
Is the doctor on duty?
Question form with 'im Dienst'.
Mein Dienst ist zu Ende.
My shift is over.
Possessive pronoun 'mein'.
Das ist ein guter Dienst.
That is a good service.
Adjective ending -er for masculine nominative.
Haben Sie Dienst?
Do you (formal) have duty?
Formal 'Sie' address.
Der Rettungsdienst kommt schnell.
The emergency service comes quickly.
Compound noun: Rettung + Dienst.
Ich brauche einen Dienst.
I need a service/favor.
Accusative case 'einen Dienst'.
Er leistet seinen Dienst beim Militär.
He is doing his service in the military.
Verb 'leisten' + 'seinen Dienst'.
Während des Dienstes darf er nicht telefonieren.
During duty, he is not allowed to call.
Genitive case after 'während'.
Sie tritt morgen ihren Dienst an.
She starts her duty tomorrow.
Separable verb 'antreten'.
Der Soldat ist außer Dienst.
The soldier is off duty.
Prepositional phrase 'außer Dienst'.
Wie lange dauert dein Dienst?
How long does your duty last?
Interrogative 'Wie lange'.
Er trägt im Dienst eine Uniform.
He wears a uniform on duty.
Dative case after 'im' (in dem).
Der Dienstplan wurde geändert.
The duty roster was changed.
Passive voice 'wurde geändert'.
Nach dem Dienst geht er nach Hause.
After duty, he goes home.
Dative case after 'nach'.
Früher war der Wehrdienst in Deutschland Pflicht.
Military service used to be compulsory in Germany.
Imperfect tense 'war'.
Er hat sich für den freiwilligen Dienst entschieden.
He decided on voluntary service.
Reflexive verb 'sich entscheiden für'.
Der öffentliche Dienst bietet viele Vorteile.
The public service offers many advantages.
Adjective 'öffentlich' in nominative.
Können Sie mir einen Dienst erweisen?
Can you do me a favor?
Idiom 'einen Dienst erweisen'.
Er wurde vom Dienst suspendiert.
He was suspended from duty.
Passive voice with 'von'.
Die Qualität der Dienste muss verbessert werden.
The quality of the services must be improved.
Plural genitive 'der Dienste'.
Er ist seit zehn Jahren im auswärtigen Dienst.
He has been in the foreign service for ten years.
Specific term 'auswärtiger Dienst' (diplomatic service).
Das Fahrzeug ist nicht mehr im Dienst.
The vehicle is no longer in service.
Negation 'nicht mehr'.
Die Soldaten verweigerten den Dienst an der Waffe.
The soldiers refused armed service.
Accusative object 'den Dienst'.
Er macht nur noch Dienst nach Vorschrift.
He only does work-to-rule now.
Idiomatic expression.
Der Dienstweg muss unbedingt eingehalten werden.
The official channels must be strictly followed.
Modal verb 'muss' + passive.
Er wurde wegen einer Verletzung vom Dienst befreit.
He was exempted from duty due to an injury.
Preposition 'wegen' + genitive.
Ihre Dienste sind für uns von unschätzbarem Wert.
Your services are of invaluable value to us.
Plural usage.
Der Geheimdienst überwacht die Kommunikation.
The secret service monitors communication.
Compound noun 'Geheimdienst'.
Er ist ein Beamter im gehobenen Dienst.
He is a civil servant in the upper service grade.
Technical administrative term.
Die Bereitschaft zum Dienst ist eine Grundvoraussetzung.
Readiness for duty is a basic requirement.
Noun-preposition combination 'Bereitschaft zu'.
Sein ganzes Leben stand im Dienst der Wissenschaft.
His whole life was in the service of science.
Metaphorical use of 'im Dienst'.
Die Dienstherrenfähigkeit liegt beim Bund.
The capacity to be an employer of civil servants lies with the Federation.
Legal/Administrative terminology.
Er hat sich um das Vaterland verdient gemacht durch treue Dienste.
He has served his country well through loyal service.
Formal idiom 'sich verdient machen'.
Die Aufrechterhaltung des Dienstbetriebs war gefährdet.
The maintenance of service operations was at risk.
Complex compound 'Dienstbetrieb'.
Er wurde in den einstweiligen Ruhestand versetzt, blieb aber im Dienst.
He was placed in temporary retirement but remained in service.
Legal nuance.
Es bedarf einer Reform des öffentlichen Dienstes.
A reform of the public service is required.
Verb 'bedürfen' + genitive.
Die Dienste der Agentur wurden in Anspruch genommen.
The services of the agency were utilized.
Idiom 'in Anspruch nehmen'.
In seinem Dienstzeugnis wurden seine Leistungen gelobt.
His performance was praised in his service reference.
Compound 'Dienstzeugnis'.
Die Dienstbarkeit des Individuums gegenüber dem Staate ist ein zentrales Thema.
The subservience of the individual to the state is a central theme.
Abstract noun 'Dienstbarkeit'.
Er quittierte den Dienst aus Gewissensgründen.
He resigned from service for reasons of conscience.
Formal verb 'quittieren'.
Die völkerrechtliche Einordnung bewaffneter Dienste ist komplex.
The classification of armed services under international law is complex.
Academic context.
Er fungierte als Bindeglied zwischen den verschiedenen Diensten.
He functioned as a link between the various services.
Verb 'fungieren als'.
Das Pathos des Dienstes am Nächsten prägte die Ära.
The pathos of service to one's neighbor characterized the era.
Literary style.
Die Dienstpflichten wurden bis ins kleinste Detail exekutiert.
The service duties were executed down to the smallest detail.
Formal verb 'exekutieren'.
Es herrschte Uneinigkeit über die Auslegung der Dienstvorschriften.
There was disagreement over the interpretation of service regulations.
Noun 'Auslegung'.
Sein Wirken war ein uneigennütziger Dienst an der Allgemeinheit.
His work was a selfless service to the general public.
High-register adjective 'uneigennützig'.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
Zu Diensten!
Was kann ich für Sie tun?
Er hat heute Dienst.
Dienst ist Dienst und Schnaps ist Schnaps.
In den Dienst stellen.
Gute Dienste leisten.
Vom Dienst suspendiert.
Dienstschluss haben.
Den Dienstweg einhalten.
Im auswärtigen Dienst.
يُخلط عادةً مع
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
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سهل الخلط
Used for commercial services/restaurants.
The abstract obligation, not the shift itself.
The office or position held.
Industrial shift, not necessarily 'official'.
Technical maintenance/service.
أنماط الجُمل
عائلة الكلمة
الأسماء
الأفعال
الصفات
كيفية الاستخدام
In German law, 'Dienst' is a specific type of contract (Dienstvertrag).
Dienst implies a higher level of formality and responsibility than Job.
- Using 'der Service' for military duty.
- Forgetting the 't' at the end of 'Dienst'.
- Confusing 'Dienst' with 'Dienstag'.
- Using 'in Dienst' instead of 'im Dienst'.
- Pluralizing it as 'Diensten' in the nominative.
نصائح
Genitive Case
Always use 'des Dienstes' when saying 'during' or 'because of' the service.
Compound Words
Learn words like Dienstwagen (company car) to expand your vocabulary quickly.
Public Sector
Understand that 'öffentlicher Dienst' is a huge employer in Germany with specific rules.
Professionalism
Use 'im Dienst' when talking to officials to show you understand their role.
Context Clues
If you hear 'Dienst', look for uniforms or official buildings nearby.
Formal Letters
Use 'Dienstleistungen' when writing business offers to sound more professional.
Work-Life Balance
Remember 'Dienst ist Dienst' to express that work time is strictly for work.
Ranks
A 'Dienstgrad' is a rank. It is the most common use of the word in the army.
Hospital Shifts
Doctors often talk about 'Bereitschaftsdienst' (on-call duty).
Contracts
A 'Dienstvertrag' is different from a 'Werkvertrag' in German law.
احفظها
وسيلة تذكّر
Think of 'Dienst' as 'Duty' + 'Instance'. An instance of duty.
أصل الكلمة
Old High German 'dionōst'
السياق الثقافي
Working for the state is highly respected and stable.
FSJ (Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr) is a popular form of voluntary service.
Compulsory service was suspended in 2011.
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
بدايات محادثة
"Hattest du schon mal Dienst am Wochenende?"
"Was hältst du von der allgemeinen Dienstpflicht?"
"Bist du im öffentlichen Dienst tätig?"
"Wie sieht ein typischer Dienstplan bei dir aus?"
"Hast du deinen Wehrdienst geleistet?"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
Beschreibe einen Tag in deinem Dienst.
Ist der Dienst an der Gesellschaft wichtig? Warum?
Was bedeutet 'Dienst nach Vorschrift' für dich?
Würdest du gerne im auswärtigen Dienst arbeiten?
Reflektiere über deine Zeit im Militär oder Zivildienst.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةDienst is formal/official duty, while Arbeit is general work. A soldier has 'Dienst', a waiter has 'Arbeit' (though they might have a 'Schicht').
Usually no. Use 'Service' or 'Kundendienst' for that specific context.
It means 'off duty' or 'retired' (e.g., a retired general is 'General a.D.').
No, it is used for police, doctors, firemen, and civil servants as well.
The plural is 'die Dienste'.
It is a form of industrial action where employees do exactly what is in their contract and nothing more.
No, it was suspended in 2011, though there are debates about bringing it back.
It was the alternative service for those who refused to serve in the military for moral reasons.
It is a metaphorical way of saying someone dedicated their life to science.
Yes, it is very common in official, professional, and military contexts.
اختبر نفسك 180 أسئلة
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Der Dienst is the essential German term for 'official duty' or 'service', bridging the gap between a simple job and a formal institutional commitment, most notably in the military and public sectors.
- Dienst refers to official duty, particularly in military, medical, or government contexts.
- Commonly used in phrases like 'im Dienst' (on duty) and 'außer Dienst' (off duty).
- It differs from 'Arbeit' by implying a more formal, institutionalized obligation.
- In a military context, it specifically means active service or the duration of enlistment.
Genitive Case
Always use 'des Dienstes' when saying 'during' or 'because of' the service.
Compound Words
Learn words like Dienstwagen (company car) to expand your vocabulary quickly.
Public Sector
Understand that 'öffentlicher Dienst' is a huge employer in Germany with specific rules.
Professionalism
Use 'im Dienst' when talking to officials to show you understand their role.
مثال
Er ist im Dienst der Armee.
محتوى ذو صلة
مزيد من كلمات military
Abkommen
A2هو اتفاق رسمي أو معاهدة يتم توقيعها بين طرفين أو أكثر للالتزام بقواعد محددة.
abrüsten
B2يعني تقليل الأسلحة أو التخلص منها، خاصة في بلد ما.
aggressiv
A2شخص يتصرف بعدوانية أو يميل إلى الهجوم ومواجهة الآخرين بعنف.
anführen
B1تعني قيادة مجموعة، مثل قائد فريق أو قائد عسكري.
Anführer
A2الشخص الذي يقود ويوجه مجموعة من الناس نحو هدف معين.
Angriff
A2الهجوم هو عندما يعتدي شخص ما أو يحاول إيذاءك.
Armee
A2مجموعة كبيرة ومنظمة من الجنود المدربين للقيام بعمليات عسكرية.
aufgeben
A2قرر الاستسلام في السباق. قمت بتسليم طردي في مكتب البريد.
aufrüsten
B2يعني بناء المزيد من الأسلحة أو القوة العسكرية.
ausbilden
A2تعليم شخص ما المهارات اللازمة للقيام بمهنة أو وظيفة معينة من خلال التدريب المنهجي.