During World War II, German soldiers had specific ways to address each other, depending on the circumstances, their ranks, and the relationships within their units. These practices not only reflected the hierarchical structure of military life but also the informal and occasionally friendly environment that existed among soldiers.

Understanding the Context

It's important to understand the context in which these addressing practices took place. Nazi Germany’s military structure was highly hierarchical, and soldiers were expected to maintain a certain level of discipline and respect. However, this did not prevent a degree of informality and camaraderie among officers and enlisted personnel in certain situations.

Addressing Officers and Comrades

Formal Context

In formal contexts, soldiers typically addressed their superiors using formal titles. For example, an Hauptmann ( captain ) would be addressed as "Herr Hauptmann" (Mr. Captain). Similarly, an Oberleutnant (lieutenant) would be addressed as "Herr Oberleutnant."

Informal Context

When in a less formal context, soldiers often used titles or nicknames. For instance, the Hauptmann might be referred to simply as "Herr Hauptmann" or by his rank alone. Here are a few examples of common nicknames:

These nicknames added a personal touch to how soldiers interacted with each other, even in rank-based situations. The use of nicknames brought a level of familiarity and friendship into the formal structure of the military.

These nicknames were commonly used among friends and could be applied to both officers and enlisted personnel, as long as there was no misinterpretation of their status.

Collective Addressing

When addressing a group of soldiers, especially one with a mix of ranks, soldiers would use the term Kamerad (comrade). This term was used more commonly in a collective sense, such as in the presence of new soldiers or during training sessions. The term Kamerad was also used when soldiers were with their peers and friends who shared the same rank or status.

However, it is important to note that using Kamerad to address a superior was frowned upon, as it might be seen as disrespectful or undermine the hierarchical structure. Therefore, soldiers were careful in their use of this term, especially when addressing officers directly.

Personal Relationships

Furthermore, soldiers often used first names and nicknames among close friends and those who were not in a formal leadership role. For example, if a soldier was addressing a 1WO (1st Watch Officer), he might use the term "Herr 1WO" in a formal context. However, in less formal situations, he might use their first name or a nickname, such as "Rolf," if the 1WO's first name was Rolf.

The use of nicknames and personal relationships were common among submariners, who often operated in close quarters and had a strong sense of camaraderie. For instance, the commanding officer, whose full title might be "Herr Kaleu" (short for Kapit?nleutnant), might be addressed by his first name or nickname by those who were close.

The "Duty on Comradeship"

There is a specific law in Germany known as the Pflicht zur Kameradschaft (duty on comradeship), which requires soldiers to support and assist their comrades. This moral obligation often translated into informal and personal interactions among soldiers, which might include using nicknames and referring to comrades by their first names or by nicknames.

In a classroom or training environment, it was more acceptable to use the term "Kamerad" to address a group of soldiers with varying ranks, as it signified the shared experience and the sense of community among soldiers. However, this term should be used with care to ensure that it does not undermine the formal structure of the military hierarchy.

Conclusion

The addressing practices of German soldiers during World War II represent a blend of military discipline and personal relationships. While rank and formal titles remained important, the use of nicknames and first names added a layer of familiarity and friendship to the military environment. The laws and practices surrounding comradeship emphasized the importance of mutual support and camaraderie among soldiers, even in a highly hierarchical structure.