Austria and Germany
"Fähnrich" which has the parallel etymology to Ensign containing the corresponding German word stem of "flag" in it, is a German and an Austrian officer cadet rank. The word Fähnrich comes from an older German military title, Fahnenträger (literally: "flag carrier"), and first became a distinct military rank on 1 January 1899.
The German Fähnrich is a non-commissioned officer promoted from the rank of Fahnenjunker (German Army) or Seekadett (German Navy). A Fähnrich rank is equivalent to a Feldwebel (Staff Sergeant), but with additional responsibilities as an officer cadet. If successful, he may be promoted to Oberfähnrich (German Army, equivalent to Hauptfeldwebel, or Sergeant First Class) or to Oberfähnrich zur See (German Navy), before being made an officer. The German rank "Fähnrich" should not be translated into English with "Ensign" to avoid the possible misconception that this would be an officer's rank, whereby the English navy rank "Ensign" must not be translated with "Fähnrich" but only with "Leutnant zur See" which is the German equivalent.
Read more about this topic: Ensign (rank)
Famous quotes containing the words austria and/or germany:
“All the terrors of the French Republic, which held Austria in awe, were unable to command her diplomacy. But Napoleon sent to Vienna M. de Narbonne, one of the old noblesse, with the morals, manners, and name of that interest, saying, that it was indispensable to send to the old aristocracy of Europe men of the same connection, which, in fact, constitutes a sort of free- masonry. M. de Narbonne, in less than a fortnight, penetrated all the secrets of the imperial cabinet.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
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—W.E. (William Ewart)