German Military Dictionary

Brief Introduction to German

While English and German are both Germanic languages, German has several properties that are different or do not exist at all in English. To better understand the entries below, these are some of the most important differences.

Capitalized Nouns

The first letter of all nouns is always capitalized in German, not just those of proper nouns. This has two key effects:

• It is possible to tell whether a word is used as a noun or an adjective. For example, in the phrase the figurine is ivory, it not immediately clear as to whether the figurine is only painted the color of ivory, or whether it is actually made of elephant tusk. In German, it would be possible to tell the difference, as the color is an adjective and written in the lower-case, while the material is a noun and therefore capitalized.
• It is not always immediately possible to tell whether a word is a noun or a proper noun.

In the entries below, only the entries of nouns and proper nouns are capitalized, to make it clear whether that word should be capitalized.

Gendered Nouns

German nouns have one of three genders: masculine, feminine, or neuter. These genders are important when writing sentences, as they determine the grammar around those nouns. For example, while English has only one definitive article, the, and two indefinite articles, a/an, German has six of each according to the gender and case of the word:

Examples of these rules:

The gendered nouns are also used for the ending of adjectives describing a noun (for example, heavy in heavy machine gun, and light in light machine gun).

Compound Words

When several words are used to name a concept or an object, the words are compounded into one word, rather than being listed seperately. For example, Offizierssäbel (officer's sabre) combines the words Offizier (officer) and Säbel (sabre). When reading compound words, the native reader will uncompound the word subconsciously to determine its meaning.

If a compound word is used frequently, it will become a regular word in itself. At this point, the word can no longer be uncompounded. For example, Granatwerfer (mortar) was originally a compound of Granate (grenade) and Werfer (thrower, i.e., something or someone who throws). Translating it as grenade thrower would, however, be incorrect. The correct translation is always to what the equivalent word is English, not what the etymology of the word suggests.

When a compound word has become a normal word, it can be used as a single element of longer, compound words, which can then again become words by themselves. For example, Ersatzteillager (spare parts storage) is a word that used to be a compound word combining Ersatzteil (spare part) and Lager, where Ersatzteil also used to be a compound word combining Ersatz (replacement) and Teil (part). Even so, it would never be subconsciously uncompounded by a German-speaking person; they would simply read it as one word and immediately understand what it means.

As mentioned above, the first letter of nouns is always capitalized. This does not apply when a noun is used inside a compound word. For example, it is always incorrect to write OffiziersSäbel instead of Offizierssäbel (officer's sabre), or JagdTiger instead of Jagdtiger (Hunting Tiger). The first letter of compound nouns must, however, still be capitalized.

A

# Abteilung noun, feminineAbbreviation: Abt

Batallion; section; department

Used in a military context for units of about the same size as batallions.

Units referred to as an Abteilung generally had a greater level of independence than those referred to as a Bataillon. This could either be explicit, such as independent Tiger batallions, or implicit, such as the reconnaissance and tank destroyer battalions of a division. Conversely, units such as infantry battalions that were organised as part of infantry regiments were referred to as Bataillonen).

The word is or has been used more broadly to refer to subdivisions of different kinds, such as departments and divisions in companies and other organisations, bulkheads in ships, phylums in biology, and epochs in geology.

Also see Bataillon

# Abteilungsadjutant noun, masculine

Battalion adjutant; battalion aide

Also see Adjutant

# Abteilungsarzt noun, masculine

Battalion doctor

Also see Arzt

# Abteilungskommandeur noun, masculine

Battalion commander

Also see Kommandeur

# Abteilungsschreiber noun, masculine

Battalion writing clerk

Also see Writing clerkSchreiber
Look up term

# Adjutant noun, masculine

Adjutant; Aide

# Arzt noun, masculine

Doctor

Different levels of doctors existed, such as:

• Abteilungarztbattalion doctor
  Look up term
• Hilfsarztauxiliary doctor
  Look up term

Also see Auxiliary stretcher bearerHilfskrankenträger
Look up term

# Ausführung noun, feminineAbbreviation: Ausf.

The way in which something has been carried out; model

Used to denote the sub-version of a vehicle, usually using a letter, for example Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausführung A. The system was analogous to the British "Mark" and the American "A" suffixes for equipment numbers.

The letters were often, but not always, used alphabetically. The letter I was not used, as the upper-case I was typographically identical to the upper-case J.

B

# Bataillon noun, neuterAbbreviation: Bat

Batallion

Also see Abteilung

# Batterieführer noun, masculine

Gun battery headquarters

# Batterieschlosser noun, masculine

Gun battery mechanic

Also see Schlosser

# Batterietroß noun, masculine

Gun battery train

Also see Train (unit)Troß
Look up term

# Beamter noun, masculine

Civil servant; administrator

# Beifahrer noun, masculine

Co-driver

When referred to, the type of vehicle that the driver operated would typically also be specified, for example:

• Beifahrer für Lkw.: Truck co-driver
• Beifahrer für Pkw.: Car co-driver

# Beobachtung noun, feminine

Observation; artillery observation

# Beobachtungsoffizier noun, masculine

Artillery observation officer

# Beobachtungsunteroffizier noun, masculine

Artillery observation sergeant

# Bergepanther proper noun, masculine

Recovery Panther

# braun adjective

Brown

# Buntfarbenanstrich noun, masculine

Multi-colored pattern

D

# dunkel- adjective

Dark

Prefix for other colors, such as dunkelbraun (dark brown).

# Dienstvorschrift noun, feminineAbbreviation: Dv

Manual

E

# einsatzbereit adjectiveAbbreviation: e

Combat ready

Used in status reports to denote the combat ready strength of a unit, such as of soldiers or equipment.

Also see ist

Also see Soll

Also see Zuführung

# Elektriker noun, masculine

Electrician

# Elektromechaniker noun, masculine

Electrician

Also see Mechaniker

# Elfenbein noun, neuter

Ivory (material)

# elfenbein adjective

Ivory (color)

# Entfernungsmesser noun, masculine

Range finder; range finder operator

# erdgelb adjective

Earth yellow

# Erkundung noun, feminine

Scouting

F

# Fahrgestell noun, neuterAbbreviation: Fgst.

Chassis

# Feldkabeltrupp noun, masculine

Field telephone cable team

# Feldkoch noun, masculine

Field kitchen cook

# Feldkochunteroffizier noun, masculine

Field kitchen sergeant

# Feldzeuginspektion noun, feminineAbbreviation: Fz In

Campaign inspection

Office responsible for, amongst other things, creating tables of organisation and equipment, tracking the army's inventory and needs of equipment and ammunition, and distributing equipment and ammunition to units.

# Feldwebel noun, masculine

Staff sergeant

# Fernsprecher noun, masculine

Telephone; telephone operator

# Feuerwerker noun, masculine

Ordnance sergeant

# Flakpanzer noun, masculine

Anti-aircraft tank

# Flakvierling noun, masculine

Quad anti-aircraft gun

# Fliegerfunktrupp noun, masculine

Air force communication radio team

# Flugabwehrkanone noun, feminineAbbreviation: Flak

Anti-aircraft gun

# Flugzeug noun, neuter

Aircraft

# Führer noun, masculine

Leader; commander

# Funker noun, masculine

Radio operator

# Funkmeister noun, masculine

Radio sergeant

# Funktrupp noun, masculine

Radio team

# Funkwart noun, masculine

Radio mechanic

G

# Gasspürtrupp noun, masculine

Gas detection squad

# Gefechtsbatterie noun, feminine

Combat battery

# Gefechtsstab noun, masculine

Command group

# Gefechtstroß noun, masculine

Combat train

Also see Troß

# gelb adjective

Yellow

# geländegängig adjectiveAbbreviation: gel.

Cross-country

Used to denote cross-country (military) cars and trucks, as opposed to commercial ones.

Also see handelsüblich

# Gepäcktroß noun, masculine

Combat train

Also see Troß

# Gerätunteroffizier noun, masculine

Equipment sergeant

# Gerätverwalter noun, masculine

Equipment manager

# Geschütz noun, neuter

Gun

# Geschützführer masculine

Gun commander

The Geschützführer commanded a single artillery piece. Because assault artillery was part of the artillery branch, this title was also used for the commander of assault guns and howitzers.

# Gliederung noun, feminine

Organization; structure

Also see Kriegsgliederung

# Granate noun, feminineAbbreviation: Gr

Grenade

# grau adjective

Grey

# Granatwerfer noun, masculineAbbreviation: Gr W

Mortar

# Granatwerfer-Gruppe noun, feminine

Mortar section

# grün adjective

Green

# Gruppe noun, feminine

Squad

# Gruppenführer noun, masculine

Squad leader

# Gruppe Führer noun, masculine

Unit command

H

# Halbgruppe noun, feminine

Team; half group

Also see Trupp

# handelsüblich adjectiveAbbreviation: O

Commercial

Used to denote commercial cars and trucks, as opposed to cross-country (military) ones.

Also see geländegängig

# Haubitze noun, feminineAbbreviation: H

Howitzer

# Hauptfeldwebel noun, masculine

First sergeant

This was not a regular rank. Instead, it was a non-commissioned officer who had addition administrative duties within a company.

# Hauptwachtmeister noun, masculine

First sergeant

Artillery equivalent of Hauptfeldwebelfirst sergeant
Look up term.

# Heer noun, neuterAbbreviation: H

Army

Used to describe both a generic organisation (i.e., an army), and the German land forces as a whole with the exception of the Waffen-SSarmed SS
Look up term (i.e., the army).

# Hilfsarzt noun, masculine

Auxiliary doctor

Also see DoctorArzt
Look up term

# Hilfskrankenträger noun, masculine

Auxiliary stretcher bearer

# Hilfswillig nominalized verb, feminine

Foreign volunteer from occupied countries

# Hinterhalt-Tarnung noun, feminine

Ambush camouflage

# Hohlladung noun, feminineAbbreviation: Hl

Hollow charge

# Hornisse noun, feminine

Hornet

Suggestive name for the 8,8 cm Pak 43 (L/71) on Panzerkampfwagen III/IV chassis.

More information: Hornisse article.

Also see Nashorn

I

# Infanteriegeschütz noun, neuterAbbreviation: I G

Infantry gun

# ist adjectiveAbbreviation: i

Is; actual strength

Used in status reports to denote the actual strength of a unit, such as of soldiers or equipment. The number included both combat ready and damaged equipment, and healthy and wounded soldiers.

Also see einsatzbereit

Also see Soll

Also see Zuführung

J

# Jagdpanther proper noun, masculine

Hunting Panther

# Jagdpanzer noun, masculine

Tank destroyer

Also see Panzerjäger

# Jagdtiger proper noun, masculine

Hunting Tiger

Suggestive name for the tank destroyer based on the Tiger II.

More information: Jagdtiger article.

K

# Kanone noun, feminineAbbreviation: Kan

Cannon; gun

# Kanonier noun, masculineAbbreviation: Kan

Cannoneer

# Kampfwagenkanone noun, feminineAbbreviation: Kw K

Tank gun

# Kettenkraftrad noun, neuterAbbreviation: Kettenkrad

Tracked motor cycle

# klein adjectiveAbbreviation: kl

Small

# Kommandeur noun, masculine

Commander; commanding officer

The commander of a unit, for example Abteilungskommandeur (battalion commander)Look up term.

# Kompanieführer masculine

Company commander

# Kompanietrupp masculine

Company headquarters

# Kompanietruppführer masculine

Company headquarters leader

# Kraftfahrpark noun, masculine

Motor pool

# Kraftfahrzeug noun, masculine

Motor vehicle

# Kraftfahrzeuginstandsetzungsgruppe noun, feminineAbbreviation: Kfz Instandsetzungsgruppe

Motor vehicle maintenance section

These sections were assigned to motorized units. They would have crews and equipment necessary for the maintenance of the equipment for which they were responsible, such as mechanics, welders, electricians. They would also handle spare parts.

# Kraftfahrzeuginstandsetzungstrupp noun, masculineAbbreviation: Kfz Instandsetzungstrupp

Motor vehicle maintenance team

Smaller motor vehicle maintenance unit, with less equipment, than a Kraftfahrzeuginstandsetzungsgruppe (motor vehicle maintenance section)Look up term.

# Kraftrad noun, neuterAbbreviation: Krad

Motorcycle

# Kraftradmelder noun, masculineAbbreviation: Kradmelder

Motorcycle messenger

# Kraftwagenfahrer noun, neuter

Motor vehicle driver

When referred to, the type of vehicle that the driver operated would typically also be specified, for example:

• Kraftwagenfahrer für gp. Kw.: Armored vehicle driver (including tank drivers)
• Kraftwagenfahrer für Lkw.: Truck driver
• Kraftwagenfahrer für Pkw.: Car driver
• Kraftwagenfahrer für Zgkw.: Prime mover driver

# Krankenträger noun, masculine

Stretcher bearer

# Kriegsausrüstungsnachweisung noun, feminineAbbreviation: KAN

War-time table of equipment; war-time equipment allocation

Detailed list of equipment for a specific unit type, accompanying the Kriegsstärkenachweisung. These lists covered all equipment, from armored vehicles down to the number of gas masks and amount of different mechanical lubricants.

Also see Kriegsstärkenachweisung

# Kriegsgliederung noun, feminine

War-time organization

Also see Gliederung

# Kriegsstärkenachweisung noun, feminineAbbreviation: K St N

War-time table of organisation and equipment; war-time strength allocation

Table listing the organisation, personnel and key equipment of a unit. The units described were usually either staff or company level units. These were then used as modules when creating larger units.

Sometimes, platoon-level units were described, when a platoon-level rather than company-level unit was needed as a module.

The table only included the equipment needed to describe the units combat usage, specifically weapons and vehicles. Detailed equipment lists, such as the authorised allocation the ammunition, uniforms, and maps, was described in the Kriegsausrüstungsnachweisung.

Also see Kriegsausrüstungsnachweisung

# kurz adjectiveAbbreviation: kz

Short

Used to differentiate short-barreled guns from long-barreled ones in status reports, for example Pz Kpfw IV kz for the short-barreled version.

Also see lang

L

# Gun loader noun, masculine

Gun loader

Also see Ladeschütze

# Ladeschütze noun, masculine

Loader

A person who loads an artillery piece.

Also see Richtschütze

# Lage noun, feminine

Current situation; status; inventory

Also see Panzerlage

# lang adjectiveAbbreviation: lg

Long

Used to differentiate long-barreled guns from short-barreled ones in status reports, for example Pz Kpfw IV lg for the long-barreled version.

Also see kurz

# Laufwerkschlosser noun, masculine

Running gear mechanic

Also see Schlosser

# leicht adjectiveAbbreviation: le

Light

Also see mittel

Also see schwer

# Lastkraftwagen masculineAbbreviation: LKW

Truck

Also see Personenkraftwagen

M

# Marder noun, masculine

Marten; mustelidae

Suggestive name for several self-propelled anti-tank guns.

# Maultier noun, neuter

Mule

Suggestive name of several half-tracked tractors.

# Maschinengewehr noun, neuterAbbreviation: M G

Machine gun

# Maschinengewehrschütze noun, neuterAbbreviation: MG Schütze

Machine gunner

# Maschinenpistole noun, feminineAbbreviation: M P

Sub-machine gun

# Mechaniker noun, masculine

Mechanic

The type of mechanic was typically specified, such as:

• Elektromechaniker: Electrician

# Melder noun, masculineAbbreviation: Kradmelder

Messenger

# mittel adjectiveAbbreviation: m

Medium

Also see leicht

Also see schwer

# Munitionskanonier noun, masculine

Ammunition bearer

# Munitionsschütze noun, masculine

Ammunition bearer

N

# Nachtichtenzug noun, masculine

Signals platoon

# Nashorn proper noun, neuter

Rhinoceros

Suggestive name for the 8,8 cm Pak 43 (L/71) on Panzerkampfwagen III/IV chassis.

More information: Nashorn article.

Also see Hornisse

O

# Oberfeldwebel noun, masculine

Technical sergeant

# Oberkommando der WehrmachtAbbreviation: OKW

High command of the armed forces

Joint command of the German army, air force, and navy from 1938 until 1945.

# Oberkommando des HeeresAbbreviation: OKH

Army high command

# Oberwachtmeister noun, masculine

Master sergeant

# Offizier noun, masculine

Officer

# Ordonnanzoffizier masculine

Orderly; batman

# olivgrün adjective

Olive green

# Ostwind noun, male

Eastern wind

Suggestive name for the turreted Flakpanzeranti-aircraft tank
Look up term armed with the 3,7 cm Flak 43.

P

# Panzer noun, masculineAbbreviation: Pz

Armor; tank

# Panzerabwehrkanone noun, feminineAbbreviation: Pak

Anti-tank gun

Also see Panzerjägerkanone

# Panzerbefehlswagen noun, masculineAbbreviation: Pz Bef Wg

Command tank

# Panzerführer masculine

Armor commander

The commander of an armored vehicle.

# Panzergetriebeschlosser noun, masculine

Armored vehicle gearbox mechanic

Also see Schlosser

# Panzergranate noun, feminineAbbreviation: Pzgr

Armor-piecing grenade

# Panzergrenadier noun, masculineAbbreviation: Pz Gren

Mechanized infantry

This term was used for all motorized infantry whether they used trucks or armored personnel carriers.

# Panzerjäger noun, feminineAbbreviation: Pz Jäg

Tank destroyer

Also see Jagdpanzer

# Panzerjägerkanone noun, feminineAbbreviation: Pak; Pjk

Anti-tank gun

Also see Panzerabwehrkanone

# Panzerkampfwagen noun, masculineAbbreviation: Pz Kpfw

Tank

# Panzerlage noun, feminine

Armor inventory; armor status

Also see Lage

# Panzermotorenschlosser noun, masculine

Armored vehicle engine mechanic

Also see Schlosser

# Panzerfunkwagen noun, masculine

Armored radio vehicle

# Panzerfunkwart noun, masculine

Armored vehicle radio mechanic

# Panzerschütze noun, masculine

Armored vehicle crewman

# Panzerspähwagen noun, masculine

Armored reconnaissance vehicle

# Panzersturmmörser noun, masculine

Armored assault howitzer

# Panzerwart noun, masculine

Armored vehicle mechanic

# Personaleinheit noun, feminineAbbreviation: P.E.

Personel unit

Term used to identify staff groups used in the formation of combat units.

# Personenkraftwagen masculineAbbreviation: PKW

Car

Also see Lastkraftwagen

R

# Rechnungsführer noun, masculine

Unit accountant

# Reich-Ausschuss für LieferbedingungenAbbreviation: RAL

Reich committee for terms of delivery

# Reichsluftfahrtministerium proper noun, neuterAbbreviation: RLM

Reich ministry of aviation

# Reichministerium für Rüstung und Kriegsproduktion

Reich ministry for armament and war production

# Richtschütze noun, masculine

Gunner

The person who aims a gun. It comes from the word richte (aiming).

Also see Ladeschütze

# Richtunteroffizier noun, masculine

Gunner (non-commissioned officer)

Also see Richtschütze

# Richtkreisunteroffizier noun, masculine

Aiming circle sergeant

# rot adjective

Red

S

# Sanitätsoffizier noun, masculine

Medical officer

# Sanitätsunteroffizier noun, masculine

Medical sergeant

# Scherenfernrohrunteroffizier noun, masculine

Scissor telescope sergeant

# Schirrmeister noun, masculine

Motor sergeant

# Schlosser noun, masculine

Mechanic

The type of mechanic was typically specified, such as:

• Batterieschlosser: Gun battery mechanic
• Panzermotorenschlosser: Armored vehicle engine mechanic
• Panzergetriebeschlosser: Armored vehicle gearbox mechanic
• Laufwerkschlosser: Running gear mechanic

# Schmied noun, masculine

Blacksmith

# Schneider noun, masculine

Tailor

# Schuhmacher noun, masculine

Shoe maker

# Schützenpanzerwagen noun, masculineAbbreviation: SPW

Armored personnel carrier

# Schreiber noun, masculine

Writing clerk

A writing clerk could have a specific position, such as Abteilungsschreiber (battalion writing clerk)Look up term

# Schütze noun, masculine

Rifleman

# schwartz adjective

Black

# schwer adjectiveAbbreviation: s

Heavy

Also see leicht

Also see mittel

# Schweisser noun, masculine

Welder

# Selbstfahrlafette noun, feminineAbbreviation: Sf; Sfl

Self-propelled carriage

# Soll noun, neuter

Should be; authorized strength

Used in status reports to denote the authorized strength of a unit, such as of soldiers or equipment.

Also see einsatzbereit

Also see Ist

Also see Zuführung

# Sonderkraftfahrzeug noun, neuterAbbreviation: Sd Kfz

Special purpose vehicle

Number system for tracked and half-tracked vehicles.

More information: Sd Kfz number table.

# Sprechfunker noun, masculine

Voice radio operator

# Sprenggranate noun, feminineAbbreviation: Sprgr

High-explosive grenade

# Staffel noun, feminine

Section

# Stellengruppe noun, feminine

Rank group

# stellvertretende adjective

Deputy

# Sturmgeschütz noun, neuterAbbreviation: Stu-Gesch

Assault gun

# Sturmhaubitze noun, feminineAbbreviation: Stu H

Assault howitzer

Used for both the vehicle and the gun on the vehicle.

# Sturmkanone noun, feminineAbbreviation: Stu K

Assault cannon

The gun on an assault gun.

Also see Sturmgeschütz

# Sturmpanzer noun, masculine

Assault tank

T

# Tankwart noun, masculine

Fuel attendant

# Tornisterfunktrupp noun, masculine

Backpack radio team

# Troß noun, masculine

Train (unit)

The type of train was typically specified, such as:

• Batterietroß: Gun battery train (combined combat and battage train for artillery batteries)
• Gefechtstroß: Combat train
• Gepäcktroß: Baggage train

# Trupp noun, masculine

Team

# Truppenentgiftungstrupp noun, masculine

Decontamination team

# Truppführer noun, masculine

Team leader

U

# überschwer adjectiveAbbreviation: ss

Super-heavy

# Unteroffizier noun, masculineAbbreviation: Uffz

Non-commissioned officer

V

# Verbindungsoffizier noun, masculine

Liaison officer

# Verbindungsunteroffizier noun, masculine

Liaison officer (non-commissioned officer)

# Verbrauchsatz noun, masculineAbbreviation: VS; V.S.

Rate of consumption

One Verbrauchsatz was the amount of fuel needed to drive 100 kilometers. It could be used both for individual vehicles and for units. The measurement was used both for supply and reporting purposes.

# Verpflegungsoffizier noun, masculine

Rations officer

W

# Wachtmeister noun, masculine

Staff sergeant in the artillery

Also see Feldwebel

# Waffe noun, feminine

Weapon

# Waffen-SS proper noun, feminine

Armed SS

# Waffenamt noun, neuter

Office of armaments

# Wehrmacht noun, feminine

Combined armed forces

# Waffenmeister noun, masculine

Armorer

# Waffenmeistergehilfe noun, masculine

Assistant armorer

# Waffenunteroffizier noun, masculine

Weapons sergeant

# Wechselbesatzung noun, feminine

Backup crew

# Werferführer noun, masculine

Mortar commander

# Wirbelwind noun, masculine

Whirlwind

Suggestive name for the turreted Flakpanzeranti-aircraft tank
Look up term armed with the 2 cm Flakvierling.

Z

# Zeichner noun, masculine

Draftsman

# Zuführung noun, feminineAbbreviation: Z

In transit

Used in status reports to denote the soldiers or equipment currently in transit to a unit.

Also see einsatzbereit

Also see ist

Also see Soll

# Zünder noun, masculineAbbreviation: Z

Fuze

# Zugführer noun, masculine

Platoon commander

# Zugkraftwagen noun, masculineAbbreviation: Zgkw

Prime mover

# Zugtrupp noun, masculine

Platoon headquarters