01
der Major
major
A military rank for officers, generally positioned above captain and below lieutenant colonel.
example
Der Major gab seiner Kompanie den Befehl zum Antreten.
The major gave his company the order to fall in.
der Major
major
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Meanings
Usage tips
False friend
'Der Major' in German refers exclusively to a military rank. It is not used like the English word 'major' as an adjective meaning 'important' or for a university major.
EXAMPLE
Der Major inspizierte die Truppen.
The major inspected the troops.
Formal address
When addressing a person with this rank directly and formally, the correct form of address is 'Herr Major' (Major).
EXAMPLE
Herr Major, die Soldaten sind bereit.
Major, the soldiers are ready.
Part of military ranks
The word 'Major' (major) is also a component of higher ranks, for example 'Generalmajor' (major general). This shows its position in the military hierarchy.
EXAMPLE
Er wurde zum Generalmajor befördert.
He was promoted to major general.
Compare with
Major vs Hauptmann
captain
'der Major' and 'der Hauptmann' are both military ranks for officers. They can be confused because both belong to the same rank group and are used in a military context. The difference is in the hierarchy: a Hauptmann ranks below a Major. So the Major is the higher rank. When talking about an exact military position, this difference is important.
Major
Der Major bespricht den Einsatz mit den anderen Offizieren.
The major discusses the operation with the other officers.
Hauptmann
Der Hauptmann führt die Kompanie während der Übung.
The captain leads the company during the exercise.
In real life
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