An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Soldat

by Friedrich Kluge

Soldat, m., ‘soldier,’ an early ModHG. loan-word, based on Ital. soldato, whence also Fr. soldat (E. soldier comes from OFr. soldoier); in MidHG. the term soldenœre with a Teut. suffix was used, and signified ‘paid warrior, mercenary.’