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 |
13 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.
Here is one to add to the list, Krankenträger (Kktr.) [stretcherbearer].
From my grandfather’s records at the International Red Cross of Prisoners of War.
He was held at the Prisoners of War Camp, Frongoch, Bala, North Wales.
According to my mother, he had fond memories of his internment.
Could it be related to “Verlosung”, i.e. a lottery or drawing of lots? In the military context, LoosungsSchein might represent something like a “Selective Service Registration” or Draft Card.
I find similar documents in attachments to civil marriage records in the Netherlands, where the grooms had to show they had registered and either were not selected or fulfilled their National Militia service.
I have Johanne Wagner’s (a many great grandfather) original military paper dated 1810…. so thank you for this as it will be nice to add his military info to the Family History.
I like your Picture from Santa Claus is coming to Town and a little Burgermeister Meisterburger image.
Haha thank you for noticing that, I couldn’t resist! My favorite Christmas movie 🙂