Esta página en tu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun 11 min de lectura

Dienst

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos Dienst en 30 segundos

Explicación Dienst in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'Dienst' primarily in the context of 'Gottesdienst' (church service) or as part of simple phrases like 'Was kann ich für Sie tun? Ich bin zu Ihren Diensten' (What can I do for you? I am at your service), although that is quite formal. You might see it on signs for 'Kundendienst' (customer service). At this stage, just remember that 'Dienst' means 'service' and it is a 'der'-word (masculine). You don't need to worry about complex compounds yet, but knowing that a 'Dienst' is something someone does to help or as a job is enough. Focus on the idea of 'serving' others. For example, if you go to a shop and see 'Service', it's the same idea. In German, 'Dienst' is just the more traditional word for it. You might also hear 'Dienst' in the context of a doctor's office if they mention when they are available. It is a useful word to recognize even if you don't use it in every sentence. Just think of it as the 'duty' or 'service' someone provides. It's a very common part of many longer German words you will see later.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'Dienst' in more specific ways, especially regarding work and daily life. You should learn the phrase 'im Dienst' (on duty) and 'außer Dienst' (off duty/retired). This is very common for jobs like police, doctors, and nurses. If you are describing your day, you might say 'Ich habe heute Dienst' if you work in one of these professions. You will also encounter 'Winterdienst', which is the service that clears snow from the streets—very important in Germany! You should also be aware of 'Wehrdienst' (military service), as it often comes up in conversations about history or personal backgrounds. At A2, you are expected to understand that 'Dienst' is a masculine noun and use it with the correct articles: 'der Dienst', 'den Dienst', 'dem Dienst'. You might also start seeing 'Dienstleistung' in basic economic texts or news, meaning 'service' as an industry. Another common word is 'Zivildienst', which is the civilian alternative to military service. Understanding these terms helps you navigate German society and talk about different types of work and responsibilities more accurately.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'Dienst' in various professional and social contexts. You will learn more idiomatic expressions like 'jemandem einen Dienst erweisen' (to do someone a favor) or 'gute Dienste leisten' (to serve someone well, often used for objects like a car or a tool). You will also encounter the concept of 'Dienstweg' (official channels), which is essential for understanding how German organizations and bureaucracies function. At this level, you should be able to distinguish between 'Dienst' and 'Service'. Remember that 'Service' is more about the quality of help in a shop or restaurant, while 'Dienst' is about the official duty or shift. You will also see 'Dienst' in many compound nouns related to the state and public life, such as 'öffentlicher Dienst' (public service). This is a huge sector in Germany, and knowing this term is vital for discussions about jobs and the economy. You might also talk about 'Bereitschaftsdienst' (on-call duty) if you work in technical or medical fields. Your grammar should be solid enough to use 'Dienst' in various cases and with different prepositions without much thought.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the B2 level, you delve into the more formal and abstract uses of 'Dienst'. You will encounter phrases like 'Dienst nach Vorschrift' (work-to-rule), which is an important term in labor relations and strikes. You should also understand the historical and political nuances of 'Wehrdienst' and 'Zivildienst' in Germany. In literature or formal news, 'Dienst' might be used to describe someone's lifelong dedication to a cause, such as 'im Dienst der Wissenschaft' (in the service of science). You will also learn about 'Dienstaufsichtsbeschwerde' (an official complaint against a public official), showing the word's role in legal and administrative language. At B2, you should be able to discuss the 'Dienstleistungsgesellschaft' (service society) and the transition from industrial to service-based economies. Your vocabulary should include 'Dienstgrad' (rank) and 'Dienststelle' (office/station). You will also use 'Dienst' to describe the utility of complex systems, like 'Ortungsdienste' (location services) in technology. The word becomes a tool for discussing complex social, professional, and technical structures.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C1 level, you explore the philosophical and highly formal dimensions of 'Dienst'. You might analyze texts where 'Dienst' is used to discuss the relationship between the individual and the state, or the ethical obligations of a professional. Phrases like 'zu Diensten stehen' (to be at someone's disposal) or 'in den Dienst einer Sache stellen' (to dedicate oneself to a cause) are used with precision. You will understand the subtle difference between 'Dienst' and 'Amt' (office), where 'Dienst' emphasizes the activity and 'Amt' the authority. In a professional context, you might discuss 'Dienstvereinbarungen' (service agreements) or 'Dienstordnungen' (service regulations) in detail. You will also be sensitive to the tone 'Dienst' provides—it often adds a layer of formality, respect, or institutional weight to a sentence. You can use 'Dienst' to describe the 'service' of a particular historical era or a specific cultural tradition. Your ability to use the word in complex, multi-clause sentences will be refined, and you will recognize its use in classical German literature, where it often carries connotations of loyalty, honor, and social hierarchy.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C2 level, you have a complete command of 'Dienst' and all its archaic, technical, and metaphorical variations. You can appreciate the nuances of 'Minne-Dienst' in Middle High German literature or the legal intricacies of 'Dienstbarkeiten' (easements/servitudes) in property law. You understand how the word 'Dienst' has evolved over centuries, from feudal labor (Frondienst) to the modern 'Digital Services Act' (Gesetz über digitale Dienste). You can use 'Dienst' in sophisticated rhetorical ways, perhaps in a speech or a high-level academic paper, to evoke specific cultural or historical associations. You are aware of the most obscure compound nouns and can use them correctly in context. Your understanding of 'Dienst' is not just linguistic but also deeply cultural, recognizing how the concept of 'Dienst am Kunden' (service to the customer) or 'Dienst am Gemeinwohl' (service to the common good) reflects broader German values of order, responsibility, and community. You can navigate the most complex bureaucratic documents involving 'Dienstverhältnisse' (employment relationships for officials) and 'Dienstbezüge' (salary for officials) with ease.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

Dienst en 30 segundos

Dienst means service, duty, or shift in German.
It is a masculine noun: der Dienst.
Commonly used for official roles like police, doctors, and military.
Includes religious services (Gottesdienst) and digital services (Web-Dienst).

The German word Dienst is a versatile masculine noun that primarily translates to 'service' or 'duty' in English. However, its application in the German language is far more nuanced than a simple one-to-one translation. At its core, Dienst refers to a period of time during which one performs specific tasks, often within a structured environment like a workplace, the military, or a religious setting. Unlike the more general word 'Arbeit' (work), Dienst implies a sense of obligation, official capacity, or a scheduled shift. For example, a doctor doesn't just 'work' at night; they are 'im Dienst' (on duty). This distinction is crucial for learners to grasp because it shifts the focus from the activity itself to the role or the timeframe of the responsibility.

Professional Context: In professional settings, Dienst is used to describe specific shifts, particularly in essential services. You will hear about 'Nachtdienst' (night shift), 'Bereitschaftsdienst' (on-call duty), or 'Winterdienst' (snow removal service). It suggests a service provided to the public or an employer that is bound by rules and schedules.

Der Polizist ist heute nicht im Dienst, er hat seinen freien Tag.

Beyond the workplace, Dienst carries significant weight in military and civil contexts. 'Wehrdienst' refers to compulsory or voluntary military service, while 'Zivildienst' refers to the alternative civilian service. Even in the digital age, the word has adapted; a 'Dienstleister' is a service provider, and a 'Streaming-Dienst' is a streaming service. The word evokes a sense of being 'at the disposal' of something greater—be it the state, a patient, or a customer.

Religious and Social Meaning: In a religious context, 'Gottesdienst' is the standard word for a church service. Here, the 'service' is directed toward God. Socially, if you do someone a 'Dienst', you are performing a favor (e.g., 'einen Gefallen tun' is more common, but 'einen Dienst erweisen' is more formal and significant).

Er hat dem Land einen großen Dienst erwiesen.

Understanding Dienst requires looking at it through the lens of German societal structure, where roles and responsibilities are clearly defined. It is not just about 'doing a job'; it is about fulfilling a function within a system. Whether it is the 'Kundendienst' (customer service) helping you with a broken appliance or a 'Notdienst' (emergency service) saving a life, the word implies a structured, reliable availability. This reliability is a hallmark of German professional culture, making Dienst a foundational word for anyone living or working in a German-speaking country.

Idiomatic Usage: Phrases like 'Dienst nach Vorschrift' (work-to-rule) describe a specific type of industrial action where employees do the absolute minimum required by their contract, highlighting the 'rule-bound' nature of the word Dienst.

Der Wagen hat mir über viele Jahre gute Dienste geleistet.

Using Dienst correctly involves understanding its grammatical gender (masculine) and how it interacts with various prepositions. The most common prepositional phrase is 'im Dienst', which means 'on duty' or 'at work' in an official capacity. Conversely, 'außer Dienst' (often abbreviated as a.D.) means 'retired' or 'off duty', typically used for officials, officers, or even machines that are no longer operational. When you use Dienst with verbs, you often see 'leisten' (to perform/render) or 'tun' (to do). For instance, 'Wehrdienst leisten' is the standard way to say 'to do military service'.

Prepositional Mastery: 'In den Dienst treten' means to enter service or start a job. 'Vom Dienst suspendiert sein' means to be suspended from duty. 'Zu Diensten sein' is a very formal, almost archaic way of saying 'to be at someone's service'.

Der Beamte wurde wegen Fehlverhaltens vom Dienst suspendiert.

In compound nouns, Dienst usually comes at the end to specify the type of service. 'Hausdienst' might refer to chores or building maintenance, while 'Staatsdienst' refers to working for the state. If you are describing a person's working hours, you might say 'Ich habe heute Spätdienst' (I have the late shift today). This is much more common than saying 'Ich arbeite heute spät'. The use of Dienst here emphasizes the shift-based nature of the work.

Common Verb Pairings: 'Den Dienst antreten' (to start one's shift/duty), 'den Dienst quittieren' (to resign from service), and 'jemandem einen Dienst erweisen' (to do someone a favor/service).

Wann trittst du morgen deinen Dienst an?

Another interesting usage is 'Dienst nach Vorschrift'. This is used in political or labor discussions to describe a strike tactic where workers do only exactly what is in their contracts, slowing down the system without technically breaking any rules. It shows how Dienst is tied to 'Vorschriften' (regulations). In everyday conversation, you might use 'Dienst' when talking about your car or a tool: 'Dieses Messer hat mir gute Dienste geleistet' (This knife has served me well). Here, the 'service' is the utility provided by an object.

Abstract and Formal Use: In formal letters, you might see 'im Auftrag und im Dienst der Sache' (on behalf and in service of the cause). This highlights the word's ability to represent abstract dedication to a goal or principle.

Er stellte sein ganzes Leben in den Dienst der Wissenschaft.

Der Dienst beginnt pünktlich um acht Uhr.

You will encounter Dienst everywhere in Germany, from the most formal government offices to the local bakery. One of the first places a visitor might see it is on a sign for a 'Notdienst' (emergency pharmacy or repair service) outside regular business hours. If you are at a train station or airport, you might hear announcements about 'Dienstleistungen' (services) or see staff 'im Dienst'. In the media, 'Dienst' is a staple word in crime dramas (Krimis). Detectives are always 'im Dienst' or being 'vom Dienst suspendiert'. The term 'Dienstwaffe' (service weapon) or 'Dienstwagen' (company car/service vehicle) is frequently mentioned, emphasizing the official nature of these items.

In the Workplace: If you work in a hospital, 'Dienst' is the word of the day. You'll discuss 'Schichtdienst' (shift work), 'Frühdienst' (morning shift), and 'Übergabe beim Dienstwechsel' (handover at the shift change). It defines the rhythm of the medical profession.

Haben Sie heute Dienst oder haben Sie frei?

On Sunday mornings, the word 'Gottesdienst' will be heard in every town as bells ring for church services. This is perhaps the most traditional use of the word, connecting it to a long history of religious observation. In the world of technology, 'Cloud-Dienste' or 'Web-Dienste' are terms used by IT professionals every day. Even in modern apps, you'll see 'Ortungsdienste' (location services) in your phone settings. The word has seamlessly transitioned from feudal obligations to digital subscriptions.

Public Life: The 'Öffentliche Dienst' (public service) is one of the largest employers in Germany, encompassing everyone from teachers to administrative clerks. Being a 'Beamter im höheren Dienst' (a high-ranking civil servant) is a specific social and professional status.

Der Gottesdienst in der Kathedrale war sehr feierlich.

If you are shopping, you might look for the 'Kundendienst' to return an item. In a restaurant, while 'Service' is often used for the act of bringing food, 'Dienst' might be used in more formal settings or when referring to the staff's schedule. Finally, in historical contexts, you will read about 'Frondienst' (corvée/labor owed to a lord), showing the word's deep roots in the concept of obligation and labor.

Military Context: 'Dienstgrad' refers to a military rank. 'Dienstverweigerung' is the refusal to perform military service, a significant term in German post-war history.

Er hat seinen Wehrdienst bereits vor zwei Jahren geleistet.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using 'Service' and Dienst interchangeably. While they overlap, 'Service' in German is often reserved for customer-facing interactions, technical maintenance, or a set of dishes (ein Kaffeeservice). If you say 'Ich habe heute Service', it sounds like you are a waiter or a technician working on a specific machine. If you are a nurse or a policeman, you must say 'Ich habe heute Dienst'. Another common error is confusing Dienst with 'Arbeit'. While 'Ich bin bei der Arbeit' is general, 'Ich bin im Dienst' implies that you are currently in your official capacity, often with specific legal responsibilities.

The 'Service' Trap: English: 'The service was good.' (in a restaurant) -> German: 'Der Service war gut.'
English: 'He is in the service.' (military) -> German: 'Er ist beim Militär' or 'Er leistet Dienst'. Don't use 'Service' for military duty.

Falsch: Der Soldat ist im Service.
Richtig: Der Soldat ist im Dienst.

Prepositional errors are also common. Learners often say 'auf Dienst' (mimicking 'at work'), but the correct phrase is 'im Dienst'. Similarly, 'nach Dienst' should be 'nach Dienstschluss' or 'nach dem Dienst' when referring to the end of the working day. Using the wrong article is another pitfall; Dienst is masculine (der), so it's 'den Dienst' in the accusative. If you use 'das Dienst', you might be confusing it with 'das Ding' or another neuter noun.

Confusing 'Dienst' and 'Gefallen': While 'einen Dienst erweisen' means to do a favor, it is very formal. In casual conversation, if you want to ask for a small favor, use 'Gefallen'. 'Kannst du mir einen Dienst tun?' sounds like you're asking for a major, formal commitment.

Kannst du mir einen Gefallen tun? (Casual)
Er hat mir einen großen Dienst erwiesen. (Formal/Significant)

Finally, watch out for 'Dienstleistung'. It is a technical economic term for 'service' (as in the service sector). Don't use it to describe a specific action you did for a friend. It's strictly for business contexts. Also, 'Dienststelle' refers to an office or station (like a police station), not the service itself. Confusing these related nouns can lead to sentences that sound overly bureaucratic or slightly nonsensical.

Der Arzt ist gerade nicht im Dienst.

To truly master Dienst, you must know its neighbors. The most common alternative is Arbeit. While Dienst is about the shift and the duty, 'Arbeit' is about the activity. Another close relative is Pflicht (duty/obligation). While Dienst is the *performance* of the duty, 'Pflicht' is the moral or legal *requirement* to do it. You have a 'Pflicht' to perform your 'Dienst'. Then there is Leistung (performance/achievement/service). In an economic context, 'Dienstleistung' (service) is a specific type of 'Leistung'.

Dienst vs. Service: Use 'Dienst' for shifts, military, and official roles. Use 'Service' for customer service, technical repairs, or restaurant hospitality. 'Der Service in diesem Hotel ist exzellent.' vs 'Der Portier hat heute Nacht Dienst.'

Meine Pflicht ruft mich zum Dienst.

Dienst vs. Gefallen: 'Gefallen' is a favor you do for a friend. 'Dienst' in this sense (einen Dienst erweisen) is much more formal and usually implies a significant help that required effort or had a major impact.

Er hat mir einen unschätzbaren Dienst erwiesen, als er mir bei der Firmengründung half.

For military contexts, you might hear Einsatz (mission/deployment). While 'Dienst' is the general state of serving, an 'Einsatz' is a specific operation. In the world of tech, Anwendung (application) or Funktion (function) might sometimes replace 'Dienst' when talking about software features. However, 'Cloud-Dienst' remains the standard term for cloud services. Understanding these synonyms helps you choose the right level of formality and the correct semantic field for your conversation.

Dienst vs. Schicht: 'Schicht' refers specifically to the time block of work (e.g., eight hours). 'Dienst' is more about the role during that time. You have a 'Frühschicht', but you are 'im Dienst'. They are often used interchangeably in casual work talk.

Nach der zwölfstündigen Schicht war sein Dienst endlich zu Ende.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The word originally implied a very humble status, but today it is used for some of the most respected professions in Germany, like doctors and high-ranking officials.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /diːnst/

US /dinst/

The stress is on the only syllable: Dienst.

Rima con

einst meinst scheinst weinst

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'ie' as a short 'i' like in 'list'. It must be a long 'ee'.
Forgetting to pronounce the 't' at the end clearly.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize in compounds once you know the core meaning.

Escritura 3/5

Requires knowledge of masculine gender and specific verb pairings like 'leisten'.

Expresión oral 3/5

Common in work contexts; requires distinguishing from 'Service'.

Escucha 2/5

Very common in news and daily announcements.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

Arbeit helfen tun machen

Aprende después

Pflicht Amt Leistung Schicht

Avanzado

Dienstbarkeit Dienstherreneigenschaft Dienstaufsichtsbeschwerde

Gramática que debes saber

Compound Nouns

Dienst + Plan = Dienstplan (The gender is always determined by the last noun: der Plan -> der Dienstplan).

Prepositional Phrases with 'in'

'Im Dienst' uses the dative case (in + dem).

Verbs with Dative

'Jemandem (Dative) einen Dienst erweisen'.

Accusative Objects

'Er hat den Dienst (Accusative) angetreten'.

Adjective Declension

'Ein guter Dienst' (Nominative), 'einen guten Dienst' (Accusative).

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Ejemplos por nivel

Der Gottesdienst beginnt um zehn Uhr.

The church service starts at ten o'clock.

'Gottesdienst' is a compound noun: Gott (God) + Dienst (service).

Kann ich Ihnen behilflich sein? Zu Diensten!

Can I help you? At your service!

'Zu Diensten' is a fixed dative plural expression.

Wo ist der Kundendienst?

Where is the customer service?

'Kundendienst' is masculine: der Kundendienst.

Er macht heute keinen Dienst.

He is not doing service today.

'Dienst' is the direct object here (accusative).

Der Dienst ist wichtig.

The service is important.

Subject of the sentence (nominative).

Vielen Dank für Ihren Dienst.

Thank you for your service.

'Ihren' is the possessive pronoun in the accusative masculine form.

Ist der Arzt im Dienst?

Is the doctor on duty?

'Im Dienst' is a very common prepositional phrase.

Sie arbeitet im öffentlichen Dienst.

She works in the public service.

'Öffentlichen' is the inflected adjective following 'im' (dative).

Ich habe heute Nachtdienst im Krankenhaus.

I have night duty at the hospital today.

'Nachtdienst' specifies the time of the service.

Der Polizist ist außer Dienst.

The police officer is off duty.

'Außer Dienst' means the person is not currently working.

Morgen kommt der Winterdienst und räumt den Schnee.

Tomorrow the snow removal service is coming to clear the snow.

'Winterdienst' can refer to both the service and the vehicles.

Er muss seinen Wehrdienst leisten.

He has to do his military service.

The verb 'leisten' is typically used with 'Wehrdienst'.

Wann hast du morgen Dienst?

When do you have duty tomorrow?

'Dienst haben' is the standard way to talk about shifts.

Das Auto hat mir gute Dienste geleistet.

The car has served me well.

'Gute Dienste leisten' is an idiomatic expression for objects.

Der Notdienst ist am Wochenende erreichbar.

The emergency service is available on the weekend.

'Notdienst' is used for essential services outside normal hours.

Er ist seit zwanzig Jahren im Dienst.

He has been in service for twenty years.

'Seit' requires the dative case.

Wir müssen den offiziellen Dienstweg einhalten.

We must follow the official channels.

'Dienstweg' refers to the bureaucratic path of communication.

Könnten Sie mir einen kleinen Dienst erweisen?

Could you do me a small favor?

'Einen Dienst erweisen' is a formal way to say 'do a favor'.

Der Streaming-Dienst kostet zehn Euro im Monat.

The streaming service costs ten euros a month.

Modern compound noun for digital services.

Sie wurde vom Dienst suspendiert.

She was suspended from duty.

Passive voice construction with 'von' + dative.

Der Bereitschaftsdienst beginnt um 18 Uhr.

The on-call duty starts at 6 PM.

'Bereitschaftsdienst' means being ready to work if needed.

Er bietet seine Dienste als Berater an.

He offers his services as a consultant.

Plural 'Dienste' is used here for professional offerings.

Der technische Dienst repariert die Anlage.

The technical service is repairing the system.

'Technischer Dienst' is a specific department.

Nach dem Dienst gehen wir oft zusammen essen.

After duty, we often go out to eat together.

'Nach dem Dienst' refers to the end of the shift.

Die Gewerkschaft droht mit Dienst nach Vorschrift.

The union is threatening a work-to-rule strike.

'Dienst nach Vorschrift' is a specific labor strike tactic.

Er hat den Dienst an der Waffe verweigert.

He refused armed service (conscientious objection).

'Dienst an der Waffe' is a formal term for military combat roles.

Der Beamte ist seit gestern außer Dienst (a.D.).

The official has been retired (off duty) since yesterday.

'a.D.' is the standard abbreviation for retired officials.

Diese App nutzt verschiedene Ortungsdienste.

This app uses various location services.

Plural form 'Ortungsdienste' is common in technology.

Er stellte sein Leben in den Dienst der Humanität.

He dedicated his life to the service of humanity.

'In den Dienst stellen' is a high-register metaphorical use.

Die Dienststelle der Polizei ist rund um die Uhr besetzt.

The police station is staffed around the clock.

'Dienststelle' refers to the physical office or station.

Er hat seinen Dienstgrad durch harte Arbeit erreicht.

He reached his rank through hard work.

'Dienstgrad' is the technical term for professional or military rank.

Die Dienstvereinbarung regelt die Arbeitszeiten.

The service agreement regulates working hours.

'Dienstvereinbarung' is a legal/administrative compound.

Die Dienstaufsichtsbeschwerde wurde als unbegründet abgewiesen.

The disciplinary complaint was dismissed as unfounded.

A very long administrative compound noun.

Er ist im diplomatischen Dienst tätig.

He is active in the diplomatic service.

'Diplomatischer Dienst' is a specific career path.

Das Werk steht ganz im Dienst der Aufklärung.

The work is entirely in the service of the Enlightenment.

Abstract use in literary or historical analysis.

Sie quittierte den Dienst nach jahrelanger Frustration.

She resigned from service after years of frustration.

'Den Dienst quittieren' is a formal way to say 'to resign'.

Die Dienstbezüge der Beamten wurden erhöht.

The salaries of the civil servants were increased.

'Dienstbezüge' is the formal term for an official's pay.

Es bedarf einer Neuausrichtung der sozialen Dienste.

A realignment of social services is required.

'Soziale Dienste' refers to the social welfare sector.

Er wurde wegen Dienstunfähigkeit vorzeitig pensioniert.

He was retired early due to inability to perform his duties.

'Dienstunfähigkeit' is a specific legal/medical status.

Der Geheimdienst überwacht die Kommunikation.

The secret service monitors the communication.

'Geheimdienst' is the standard word for intelligence agencies.

Die Frondienste wurden im 19. Jahrhundert endgültig abgeschafft.

The corvée (statute labor) was finally abolished in the 19th century.

'Frondienst' is a historical term for forced labor for a lord.

Das Gesetz über digitale Dienste (DSA) setzt neue Maßstäbe.

The Digital Services Act (DSA) sets new standards.

Official legal terminology for modern digital regulation.

Seine Dienstauffassung war von unerschütterlicher Loyalität geprägt.

His conception of duty was characterized by unwavering loyalty.

'Dienstauffassung' refers to one's personal attitude toward duty.

In diesem Roman wird der Minne-Dienst parodiert.

In this novel, courtly love service is parodied.

'Minne-Dienst' is a specific literary and historical term.

Die Dienstbarkeiten sind im Grundbuch eingetragen.

The easements are recorded in the land registry.

'Dienstbarkeit' is a technical term in property law.

Er sah seinen Dienst als eine Form der Askese.

He saw his service as a form of asceticism.

Deeply philosophical/metaphorical use of the word.

Die Dienstherreneigenschaft liegt beim Land Berlin.

The status of the employer of civil servants lies with the State of Berlin.

Extremely specific legal term regarding the employer of officials.

Trotz Dienstverweigerung blieb er dem Gemeinwohl verpflichtet.

Despite refusing military service, he remained committed to the common good.

'Dienstverweigerung' usually refers to conscientious objection.

Colocaciones comunes

im Dienst

außer Dienst

Dienst haben

seinen Dienst leisten

gute Dienste leisten

öffentlicher Dienst

technischer Dienst

einen Dienst erweisen

den Dienst antreten

den Dienst quittieren

Frases Comunes

Dienst ist Dienst und Schnaps ist Schnaps.

— Work and pleasure should be kept separate.

Wir reden jetzt nicht über die Arbeit; Dienst ist Dienst und Schnaps ist Schnaps.

Zu Diensten!

— At your service (very formal).

Guten Tag, Herr Direktor, ganz zu Diensten!

Dienst nach Vorschrift

— Doing only the minimum required by contract (as a strike tactic).

Die Bahnmitarbeiter machen Dienst nach Vorschrift.

Vom Dienst suspendiert

— Removed from duty temporarily due to an investigation.

Der Beamte wurde vom Dienst suspendiert.

Im Dienst der Sache

— For the sake of the cause.

Wir arbeiten alle im Dienst der Sache.

Ein Bärendienst

— A well-intentioned act that actually causes harm.

Mit deiner Hilfe hast du mir einen Bärendienst erwiesen.

Dienstälteste(r)

— The person who has been in service the longest.

Sie ist die Dienstälteste in unserer Abteilung.

Dienstfrei haben

— To have the day off from a shift.

Heute habe ich endlich mal dienstfrei.

Dienstweg einhalten

— To follow the correct hierarchical channels.

Bitte halten Sie den offiziellen Dienstweg ein.

Dienstwagen

— A company or service car.

Er darf seinen Dienstwagen auch privat nutzen.

Se confunde a menudo con

Dienst vs Service

Service is for customer help or technical maintenance; Dienst is for shifts and official duties.

Dienst vs Arbeit

Arbeit is general work; Dienst is a specific shift or official role.

Dienst vs Pflicht

Pflicht is the moral obligation; Dienst is the performance of the work.

Modismos y expresiones

"Jemandem einen Bärendienst erweisen"

— To do someone more harm than good despite good intentions.

Er wollte helfen, hat uns aber einen Bärendienst erwiesen.

neutral

"Dienst ist Dienst und Schnaps ist Schnaps"

— Separation of work and private life.

Nach Feierabend wird nicht mehr über Projekte geredet; Dienst ist Dienst und Schnaps ist Schnaps.

informal

"Sich in den Dienst einer Sache stellen"

— To dedicate oneself entirely to a cause.

Sie stellte ihr Leben in den Dienst der Armen.

formal

"Den Dienst quittieren"

— To quit or resign from a formal position.

Er quittierte den Dienst nach dem Skandal.

formal

"In jemandes Diensten stehen"

— To be employed by or work for someone.

Er steht seit Jahren in den Diensten der Krone.

literary

"Zu Diensten sein"

— To be available to help someone.

Ich bin Ihnen stets zu Diensten.

polite/archaic

"Dienst nach Vorschrift machen"

— To work exactly to the rules to cause a slowdown.

Die Piloten machen momentan Dienst nach Vorschrift.

neutral

"Den Dienstweg einhalten"

— To follow the bureaucratic hierarchy.

In dieser Behörde muss man den Dienstweg einhalten.

formal

"Ein treuer Diener seines Herrn sein"

— To be a loyal servant/employee (often used metaphorically).

Er war stets ein treuer Diener seines Herrn.

literary

"Gute Dienste leisten"

— To be very useful over time.

Diese alte Schreibmaschine hat mir gute Dienste geleistet.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

Dienst vs Dienstag

Similar spelling.

Dienstag is Tuesday; Dienst is service. They are not etymologically related in a direct way.

Am Dienstag habe ich keinen Dienst.

Dienst vs Diener

Same root.

Diener is a servant (the person); Dienst is the service (the act).

Der Diener trat seinen Dienst an.

Dienst vs verdienen

Contains the word 'dienen'.

Verdienen means to earn (money or respect); Dienst is the service itself.

Er verdient viel Geld in seinem Dienst.

Dienst vs bedienen

Related verb.

Bedienen means to serve a customer or operate a machine; Dienst is the abstract service or shift.

Können Sie diese Maschine bedienen, während Sie Dienst haben?

Dienst vs Dienstleistung

Very similar.

Dienstleistung is the economic term for a service (e.g., consulting); Dienst is the shift or duty.

Unsere Firma bietet verschiedene Dienstleistungen an.

Patrones de oraciones

Ich habe [Time] Dienst.

Ich habe heute Dienst.

Der [Job] ist im Dienst.

Der Arzt ist im Dienst.

Jemandem einen Dienst erweisen.

Er hat mir einen Dienst erwiesen.

Etwas leistet gute Dienste.

Das Handy leistet mir gute Dienste.

Vom Dienst suspendiert werden.

Er wurde vom Dienst suspendiert.

In den Dienst der [Sache] stellen.

Sie stellt ihr Talent in den Dienst der Kunst.

Den Dienst quittieren.

Er quittierte den Dienst nach dem Vorfall.

Einhaltung des Dienstweges.

Die Einhaltung des Dienstweges ist obligatorisch.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Dienstleistung

Dienstgrad

Dienststelle

Gottesdienst

Wehrdienst

Zivildienst

Nachtdienst

Dienstwagen

Verbos

dienen

bedienen

verdienen

Adjetivos

dienstlich

dienstunfähig

dienstbereit

dienstfrei

Relacionado

Diener

Bedienung

Verdienst

Dienstbarkeit

Regístrate gratis para ver todos los ejemplos

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very high in professional and official contexts.

Errores comunes

Ich habe heute Service. → Ich habe heute Dienst.
'Service' is for customer help; 'Dienst' is for professional shifts.
Er ist in Dienst. → Er ist im Dienst.
The phrase 'im Dienst' includes the definite article (in + dem).
Danke für deinen Dienst. (to a waiter) → Danke für den Service.
'Dienst' is too formal/official for a waiter's help in a restaurant.
Das Dienst ist gut. → Der Dienst ist gut.
'Dienst' is masculine, not neuter.
Er macht Wehrdienst. → Er leistet Wehrdienst.
The verb 'leisten' is the standard collocation for military service.

Consejos

Remember the Gender

'Dienst' is masculine (der). This is vital for using phrases like 'im Dienst' (in dem Dienst) and 'den Dienst' correctly.

Shift Work

If you work in shifts, 'Dienst' is your best friend. Use 'Frühdienst', 'Spätdienst', and 'Nachtdienst' to describe your schedule.

Public Service

'Öffentlicher Dienst' is a huge part of German life. Understanding this term helps you understand news about strikes, salaries, and government.

Separation of Work

Remember the phrase 'Dienst ist Dienst und Schnaps ist Schnaps' to tell people you don't want to talk about work during your free time.

Dienst vs. Service

Always use 'Service' for restaurants and 'Dienst' for police or medical contexts. Mixing them up sounds very unnatural.

Formal Favors

Use 'einen Dienst erweisen' in writing when you want to sound very grateful for a significant help someone gave you.

Listen for Compounds

Many long German words end in '-dienst'. Focus on the first part of the word to know what kind of service it is.

At Your Service

'Zu Diensten' is a great, though formal, way to show politeness in a professional service setting.

Digital Services

In tech, 'Dienst' is common. 'Streaming-Dienst' and 'Cloud-Dienst' are terms you will see on every German website.

Historical Context

When reading about German history, 'Wehrdienst' (military service) and 'Zivildienst' (civilian service) are key terms to understand.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Dienst' as 'Doing Interest'. When you are in 'Dienst', you are doing something in the interest of the state or your boss.

Asociación visual

Imagine a police officer in a sharp uniform with a badge that says 'DIENST' standing next to a church (Gottesdienst).

Word Web

Arbeit Pflicht Soldat Kirche Polizei Schicht Service Amt

Desafío

Try to name five different types of 'Dienst' in German (e.g., Winterdienst, Gottesdienst...).

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Old High German 'dionost', which referred to the status or labor of a servant.

Significado original: Service, slavery, or labor performed for a superior.

Germanic

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but 'Dienst' can sound very formal or bureaucratic in the wrong context.

English speakers often use 'service' for everything, but in German, 'Dienst' is more formal and specific to roles, while 'Service' is for customers.

'Dienst am Kunden' (a common business motto) 'Gottesdienst' (the standard term for any religious service in Germany) 'Zivildienst' (a major part of German male life before the end of conscription)

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Hospital/Medical

Nachtdienst haben
Bereitschaftsdienst
Dienstübergabe
Notdienst

Police/Military

im Dienst sein
Dienstwaffe
Dienstgrad
Wehrdienst leisten

Church/Religion

Gottesdienst besuchen
zum Gottesdienst gehen
den Dienst leiten

Office/Business

Dienstweg einhalten
Dienstwagen
Diensthandy
Dienstschluss

Technology

Cloud-Dienst
Ortungsdienste
Streaming-Dienst
Web-Dienst

Inicios de conversación

"Haben Sie heute Dienst oder haben Sie frei?"

"Wann beginnt normalerweise Ihr Dienst?"

"Was halten Sie vom verpflichtenden sozialen Dienst für junge Leute?"

"Welcher Streaming-Dienst ist Ihrer Meinung nach der beste?"

"Hat Ihnen dieses Auto gute Dienste geleistet?"

Temas para diario

Beschreibe einen typischen Dienst in deinem Beruf.

Was bedeutet 'Dienst an der Gesellschaft' für dich?

Erzähle von einer Situation, in der dir jemand einen großen Dienst erwiesen hat.

Sollte der Wehrdienst in Deutschland wieder eingeführt werden? Warum oder warum nicht?

Welches Gerät in deinem Haus hat dir bisher die besten Dienste geleistet?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

'Dienst' is used for official duties, shifts (like police or doctors), and military or religious contexts. 'Service' is used for customer service, hospitality in restaurants, or technical maintenance. For example, 'Der Service im Hotel ist gut' but 'Der Polizist ist im Dienst'.

No, while it is used for 'Wehrdienst' (military service), it is also used for many other professions like medicine, police, and the public sector, as well as for church services (Gottesdienst).

It means 'off duty' or 'retired'. For a police officer, it means they aren't working right now. For an official title, like 'Hauptmann a.D.', it means they are retired from that rank.

You say 'Ich habe Dienst' or 'Ich bin im Dienst'.

Yes, but it's formal. 'Jemandem einen Dienst erweisen' means to do someone a significant favor. For small things, use 'Gefallen'.

It is the German word for a church service or worship service.

It is masculine: der Dienst.

It is a type of industrial action where employees do exactly what is in their contract and no more, to slow down work as a form of protest.

Yes, 'die Dienste'. It is often used when offering professional services: 'meine Dienste anbieten'.

It means 'to serve well' or 'to be very useful', usually said about an object like a car, a tool, or a piece of software.

Regístrate gratis para ver consejos y notas