Feldwebel
/ˈfɛltˌveːbəl/masculine
The English phrase sergeant can be translated into German as Feldwebel. Wiktionary also lists Stabsunteroffizier.
Meaning: noncommissioned officer rank (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Feldwebel | /ˈfɛltˌveːbəl/ | masculine |
| Stabsunteroffizier | /ˈʃtapsʔʊntɐʔɔfiˌt͡siːɐ̯/ |
The term refers to a noncommissioned officer rank.
Which one should you use?
Stabsunteroffizier refers to a higher-ranking noncommissioned officer than the general term Feldwebel.
How does it change in a sentence?
Feldwebel is a masculine noun. It uses the same form for both the nominative singular and the accusative singular.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfɛltˌveːbəl/
Did you know?
- The word Feldwebel was standardized in its modern form partly to avoid sounding like Weib, the German word for 'woman' or 'wife'.
- Historically, German military culture has a very strict distinction between Unteroffiziere and commissioned officers, which is more pronounced than the NCO/Officer divide in some English-speaking armies.
- The plural of Feldwebel remains Feldwebel, meaning the word does not change its ending when referring to multiple sergeants.
Examples in context
- Er stieg zum Feldwebel auf.He rose to the rank of sergeant.This sentence is useful for describing a promotion to the rank of Feldwebel.Tatoeba #11333093 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #299415 by sundown
- Es gab beim Kommiss einen Feldwebel, den ich besonders hasste.There was a sergeant that I particularly hated in the army.This sentence is useful for mentioning a specific Feldwebel in the army.Tatoeba #2488367 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2488257 by Amastan
- Einen Feldwebel gab’s, der schrecklich verwundet war und dennoch überraschend lange weiterschwomm, bis einer sich erbarmte und ihm das Gehirn herausblies.There was one sergeant that was horribly wounded and yet kept on swimming for a surprising time, until some one in mercy blew out his brains.This sentence is useful for describing a wounded Feldwebel in a narrative context.Tatoeba #10501067 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6981818 by Hybrid
- Herr Mayer ist ein Unteroffizier bei der Bundeswehr.Mr. Mayer is a sergeant in the German Armed Forces.
- Kennst du den Feldwebel Müller? Er ist sehr erfahren.Do you know Sergeant Müller? He is very experienced.
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are discussing their family history.
- JuliaWar dein Großvater im Krieg ein Feldwebel?Was your grandfather a sergeant during the war?
- MaximilianJa, er war Feldwebel bei der Infanterie.Yes, he was a sergeant in the infantry.
- JuliaDas ist ein sehr respektierter Rang.That is a very respected rank.
- MaximilianJa, er hat viel Verantwortung getragen.Yes, he carried a lot of responsibility.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sergeant” translations and entries Feldwebel, Stabsunteroffizier, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Feldwebel, Stabsunteroffizier, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
