soldaten

Soldaten is the plural form of the noun for a soldier in German (Soldat) and Dutch (soldaat). In German, Soldat denotes a member of the regular armed forces and is commonly used for enlisted personnel, while in Dutch it similarly refers to a person serving in the military. The term is used to describe individuals who are trained and equipped for combat or security duties and who operate within organized military units.

The word has Romance-language origins, with cognates in French (soldat) and Italian (soldato) that trace back to earlier Latin forms. The term spread into Germanic languages during the Middle Ages and the early modern period as Western Europe developed standing armies and professional forces.

Soldaten typically undergo basic training and then specialty training, are assigned to units such as infantry, armor, artillery, or support branches, and serve under a defined hierarchy of ranks. Their duties can include protection, patrolling, reconnaissance, logistics, and humanitarian or peacekeeping missions, in peacetime and during hostilities.

International humanitarian law regulates the treatment of soldiers during armed conflict, including the protection of prisoners of war and the obligation to distinguish combatants from civilians. Many countries operate conscription or mandatory military service at various historical periods, while others rely on professional volunteers. Retention, retirement, and veterans’ benefits are typically managed through national armed forces and veteran organizations.