major general
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major general
A high military rank for generals in the army and air force, placed in the NATO rank hierarchy above brigadier general and below lieutenant general.
Nach langjährigem Dienst wurde er zum Generalmajor befördert.
After many years of service, he was promoted to major general.
The rank is composed of 'General' (general) and 'Major' (major). It is a specific level within the general ranks, not a mixture of the two ranks.
Der Generalmajor hielt eine Ansprache an die Truppen.
The major general gave an address to the troops.
The rank 'Generalmajor' (major general) is often used like a title directly before the last name. In this case, the article 'der' is omitted.
Generalmajor Schmidt wird die Parade inspizieren.
Major General Schmidt will inspect the parade.
In connection with this rank, verbs that express promotion or appointment are often used. Typical formulations are 'zum Generalmajor befördert werden' (to be promoted to major general) or 'jemanden zum Generalmajor ernennen' (to appoint someone major general).
Er wurde für seine Verdienste zum Generalmajor ernannt.
He was appointed major general for his service.
general
'der General' and 'der Generalmajor' both belong to the military field and refer to high-ranking officers. They are easy to confuse because both words contain 'General'. However, 'General' is the higher rank, or a more general term for a very high-ranking officer. 'Generalmajor' is a specific rank within the general ranks and is below 'Generalleutnant' (lieutenant general). If the exact rank is important, you say 'Generalmajor'; if you are speaking generally or about the highest rank, 'General' fits better.
Nach vielen Jahren in der Armee wurde sie zum Generalmajor befördert.
After many years in the army, she was promoted to major general.
Der General besprach am Morgen die neue Lage mit seinen Offizieren.
In the morning, the general discussed the new situation with his officers.