ensign / officer cadet
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officer cadet
A military rank for an officer candidate who is training to become an officer. The exact position varies depending on the branch of the armed forces (army, air force, navy).
Nach erfolgreichem Abschluss des Lehrgangs wurde sie zum Fähnrich befördert.
After successfully completing the course, she was promoted to officer cadet.
ensign
In a historical context, the person who carried the flag (the standard) of a military unit.
Der Fähnrich hielt die Fahne auch im dichtesten Getümmel der Schlacht hoch.
The ensign held the flag high even in the thickest turmoil of the battle.
The word 'Fähnrich' (ensign/officer cadet) can be derived from 'die Fahne' (flag). It originally referred to the person who carried the troop's flag in battle. This historical meaning explains the name of today's military rank.
Der Fähnrich war verantwortlich für das Feldzeichen seiner Einheit.
The ensign was responsible for his unit's standard.
The context makes clear which meaning is intended. If texts mention 'Dienstgrad' (rank) or 'Beförderung' (promotion), it refers to the modern officer cadet. In sentences with 'Schlacht' (battle) or 'Fahne tragen' (to carry a flag), the historical flag bearer is meant.
Als Offizieranwärter wurde er zum Fähnrich befördert.
As an officer candidate, he was promoted to officer cadet.
In its modern meaning, 'Fähnrich' (officer cadet) is a technical term from the military. Outside the Bundeswehr or discussions about the military, this term is rarely used.
Sein Bruder ist Soldat und wurde gerade zum Fähnrich ernannt.
His brother is a soldier and has just been appointed an officer cadet.
cadet
Fähnrich and Kadett can both refer to an aspiring officer in training. Fähnrich is a specific military rank for an officer candidate. Kadett, by contrast, refers to an officer candidate being trained at a military school or naval academy.
Während seiner Offiziersausbildung wurde der Soldat zum Fähnrich befördert.
During his officer training, the soldier was promoted to ensign.
Während seiner Offiziersausbildung lebte der Kadett an der Marineakademie.
During his officer training, the cadet lived at the naval academy.
