List of German Military Ranks
Approximate ranks relative to US ranks:
- Reichsmarschall – "Marshal of the Empire", the highest rank in the German armed forces during World War II (specifically created for Hermann Göring to distinguish him from the other field marshals). Equivalent to General of the Armies of the United States
- Generalfeldmarschall – General of the Army during World War II.
- Generaloberst – General, literally "highest" or "supreme general", usually translated "Colonel-general"; not used in the Bundeswehr
- General der Infanterie, Kavallerie, etc. – General (before 1956 equivalent to US Lieutenant General)
- Generalleutnant – Lieutenant-General (before 1956 equivalent to US Major General)
- Generalmajor – Major-General (before 1956 equivalent to US Brigadier General)
- Brigadegeneral – Brigadier General; not used prior to the Bundeswehr
- Oberst – Colonel, literally "highest"
- Oberstleutnant – Lieutenant Colonel
- Major – Major
- Hauptmann/Rittmeister – Captain
- Oberleutnant – First Lieutenant
- Leutnant – (Second) Lieutenant
- Oberstabsfeldwebel/Oberstabsbootsmann – (Senior NCO)
- Stabsfeldwebel/Hauptbootsmann – Master Sergeant (Senior NCO)
- Oberfeldwebel/Bootsmannsmaat – Technical Sergeant (Senior NCO)
- Fähnrich/Oberfähnrich – no perfect equivalent. Senior Officer Cadet with something like warrant officer status, used in functions like Ensign, passed Midshipman or 2nd Lieutenant but not commissioned.
- Fahnenjunker – no perfect equivalent. Most junior Officer Cadet with sergeant (US) or corporal (UK) status.
- Feldwebel/Wachtmeister/Bootsmann – Staff Sergeant (Senior NCO)
- Unterfeldwebel – Sergeant; formerly called Sergeant prior to 1921 (not in use in the Bundeswehr)
- Stabsunteroffizer/Obermaat (Junior NCO)
- Unteroffizier/Maat – Corporal (Junior NCO) (since the Bundeswehr more comparable to Petty Officer)
- Oberstabsgefreiter – (enlisted personnel); not used prior to the Bundeswehr.
- Stabsgefreiter – (enlisted personnel)
- Hauptgefreiter – (enlisted personnel); not used prior to the Bundeswehr.
- Obergefreiter – Lance-Corporal (enlisted personnel)
- Gefreiter – Private First Class (enlisted personnel)
- Obergrenadier/Oberschütze – Senior Private (not in use in the Bundeswehr)
- Grenadier/Schütze/Matrose/Flieger/Sanitäter – Private (enlisted personnel)
For additional comparisons, see Comparative military ranks of World War II.
Read more about this topic: Glossary Of German Military Terms
Famous quotes containing the words list of, list, german, military and/or ranks:
“Do your children view themselves as successes or failures? Are they being encouraged to be inquisitive or passive? Are they afraid to challenge authority and to question assumptions? Do they feel comfortable adapting to change? Are they easily discouraged if they cannot arrive at a solution to a problem? The answers to those questions will give you a better appraisal of their education than any list of courses, grades, or test scores.”
—Lawrence Kutner (20th century)
“Modern tourist guides have helped raised tourist expectations. And they have provided the natives—from Kaiser Wilhelm down to the villagers of Chichacestenango—with a detailed and itemized list of what is expected of them and when. These are the up-to- date scripts for actors on the tourists’ stage.”
—Daniel J. Boorstin (b. 1914)
“Many of our German friends before the war would come as our guest to hunt wild pig. I refused to invite Goering. I could not tolerate his killing a wild pig— seemed too much like brother against brother.”
—Joseph L. Mankiewicz, U.S. director, screenwriter. Joseph L. Mankiewicz. Countess (Danielle Darrieux)
“We’re in greater danger today than we were the day after Pearl Harbor. Our military is absolutely incapable of defending this country.”
—Ronald Reagan (b. 1911)
“I take such men to be inspired. I fancy that this moment Shakespeare in heaven ranks with Gabriel Raphael and Michael. And if another Messiah ever comes twill be in Shakespeare’s person.”
—Herman Melville (1819–1891)