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!