wehrfähig

Wehrfähig is a German adjective that denotes the ability to participate in a state’s defense or to be mobilized for military service. It is used to describe persons, groups, or institutions that can contribute to armed defense, as well as the overall capacity of a country or organization to wage war or defend itself.

Etymology and nuance: The term combines Wehr (defense or armed forces) with fähig (capable). In everyday language the term is uncommon; more typical are expressions such as wehrpflichtig, wehrtauglich, or wehrdiensttauglich, which specify legal obligation or fitness for service.

Usage in history: In the German Empire, the Weimar Republic, and the Nazi era, wehrfähig figures in demographic and conscription contexts. Phrases like wehrfähige Männer referred to men deemed physically and mentally fit for military service after medical examination. It contrasted with terms for those exempt or unfit.

Contemporary usage: Since the suspension of compulsory military service in 2011 in Germany, the term is largely found in historical, archival, or technical discussions rather than current law. In modern policy, related terms such as wehrdiensttauglich or wehrpflichtig are more commonly used to denote qualification for service; wehrfähigkeit can also describe a state’s or defense sector’s overall capacity for defense or rapid mobilization, but it is less common in everyday language.