marshal
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marshal
The highest military rank in the armed forces of some countries. This rank is often awarded only in wartime for outstanding achievements.
Der General wurde nach der siegreichen Schlacht zum Marschall befördert.
The general was promoted to marshal after the victorious battle.
The word comes from the Old High German 'marahscalc', meaning 'horse servant.' This explains the historical meaning of a court official who was responsible for the ruler's horses and stables.
Im Mittelalter war der Marschall ein wichtiges Amt am königlichen Hof.
In the Middle Ages, the marshal was an important office at the royal court.
The meaning of 'Marschall' (marshal) is almost always clear from the context. Words like 'Armee' (army) or 'General' (general) point to the military rank (m01), 'Hof' (court) or 'König' (king) to the historical office (m02), and 'U.S.' or 'FBI' to the U.S. officer (m03).
Der Feldmarschall plante die nächste Offensive.
The field marshal planned the next offensive.
In a military context, someone is 'zum Marschall ernannt' (appointed marshal) or 'befördert' (promoted). The rank is often specified with 'Feldmarschall' (field marshal).
Für seine Verdienste wurde er zum Marschall der Nation ernannt.
For his services, he was appointed marshal of the nation.
general
'der General' and 'der Marschall' can both refer to very high military ranks. They are therefore closely related and can easily be confused. 'General' is a well-known high rank in the army or air force. 'Marschall' is an even higher or special rank in some countries and often sounds more historical or more specific. In normal texts about modern armies, 'General' is usually the more appropriate general term. 'Marschall' is used when this exact special rank is meant.
Im Geschichtsbuch steht, dass der Marschall nach dem Krieg geehrt wurde.
The history book says that the marshal was honored after the war.
Der General leitete die Besprechung im Hauptquartier.
The general led the meeting at headquarters.