Wehrdienst
Tue, Apr 8th 2008, 10:29
Wehrdienst military service
wehren to defend oneself
dienen to serve
Germany has conscription for male citizens of 18 years (mandatory military service for 9 months), which they can conscientiously object to (for religious, moral or ethical reasons) and instead do alternative civilian service. Apparently, only about half end up serving, while the rest object or are excused for medical reasons.
Holland
Holland is a region in the western part of the Netherlands. This postcard is covered with stereotypes of Holland. Other regions and cultures in the Netherlands have a negative view of Holland because its culture dwarfs the others' as the view of the Netherlands in general.