Deciphering military records can be hard. Filled with abbreviations, town names you’ve never heard of, and complicated military terms, these records are sure to give anyone a headache. But if your ancestor was in the military, these documents are often full of fascinating insight and incredible details about your soldier’s life – thus making them well worth the work.
Below, I’ve compiled a list for you of the most common words on German military records (in my translating experience). I hope they will make your deciphering work a little easier. Now, off to find your soldier!
Militär | Military |
Schlacht | Battle |
Kämpfe | Fights, Conflict, Battle |
Krieg | War |
Waffen | Arms |
Armee, Heer | Army |
Amt | Office |
Wehrmacht | Armed Forces |
Truppen | Troops |
Marine | Navy |
Dienstgrad | Military Rank |
Kommandeur | Commander |
Führer | Leader |
Soldat | Soldier |
Gefreite | Lance-Corporal |
Grenadier | Rifleman, Infantryman |
Musketier | Musketeer |
Stab | Staff |
Feldwebel, Wachtmeister, Stabsunteroffizier | Sergeant |
Kompagnie | Company |
Einheit | Unit |
Regiment | Regiment |
Korps | Corps |
Bataillon (Batl.) | Battalion |
Abteilung (Abt.) | Division |
Infanterie | Infantry |
Batterie | Battery |
Artillerie | Artillery |
Ersatz, Reserve | Reserves |
Freiwillige | Volunteer |
Füsilier | Heavy Infantry Unit |
Luftwaffe | Airforce |
Flugzeug, Flieger | Airplane |
Flak | Anti-Aircraft |
Lazarett | Field Hospital |
Feld | Field |
Abwehr | Defense |
Kanone, Geschütz | Cannon |
Eintritt | Joining Up |
Führung | Conduct |
Dienst | Service |
Versetzt | Transferred |
Entlassung | Discharge |
Orden | Medals, Decoration |
Bestrafung, Strafe | Punishment |
Verletzung | Injury |
Kriegsgefangene | Prisoner of War |
Tot | Dead |
gefallen | Died in Battle |
8 Responses
Thank you for this. I’m working on records from my son-in-law’s GGF who was in the Prussian Army in Kaliningrad from about 1853 – 1856.
Glad it is helpful!
In records I am currently translating (early 18th Century), I have come across the term “dragoner” used in places where occupations are found. Google translate gives me “dragoon.” Would this be a reference to mounted cavalry?
Yes, that is also a common term! I usually translate it as “dragoon” as well. Yes, they were mounted infantry, but the term is explained in more detail here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragoon
Great resource, thanks! I’m working with the Bavarian muster rolls, so I appreciate this explanation of the abbreviations .
Do you have common words that were used to describe “degree of service” (Dienftgrad)? I have an index card from roughly 1941 that I’m trying to decipher but I cannot read the font to properly translated.. the word appears to start with Mer
Hi Alexis – there are some great German military dictionary websites here:
http://www.allworldwars.com/German-English-Military-Dictionary.html
http://www.translationdirectory.com/glossaries/glossary261.php#T
https://books.google.com/books?id=19YkAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT54&lpg=PT54&dq=Feld.+Rekr.+Depot&source=bl&ots=WzE7XaiCXs&sig=ACfU3U1f3HA65cdVw6oUPqBa1_4BauprIQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjh7PqdpvDqAhWCW80KHfjMAUUQ6AEwCXoECAsQAQ#v=snippet&q=etappen&f=false
And then there is also a very helpful Facebook group that helps with short translations, like your word: https://www.facebook.com/groups/germangenealogytranslations/
Good luck!
What does LoosungsSchein mean? It is from a 1845 military document.