01
der Oberstleutnant
lieutenant colonel
An officer rank in the Bundeswehr and other armies that stands between major and colonel.
example
Der Oberstleutnant gab den Befehl zum Aufbruch.
The lieutenant colonel gave the order to move out.
der Oberstleutnant
lieutenant colonel
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The rank 'Oberstleutnant' (lieutenant colonel) is composed of the ranks 'Oberst' (colonel) and 'Leutnant' (lieutenant). It refers to a single officer rank that is hierarchically below colonel.
EXAMPLE
Er wurde nach langjährigem Dienst zum Oberstleutnant befördert.
After many years of service, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel.
Common abbreviation
In written usage, especially in official or military documents, the abbreviation 'OTL' is often used for 'Oberstleutnant' (lieutenant colonel).
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Dienstplan stand: OTL Schmidt, Tagesoffizier.
The duty roster said: OTL Schmidt, duty officer.
Formal address
In direct address, the full rank is used. The correct form of address is 'Herr Oberstleutnant' (Mr. Lieutenant Colonel) for a man and 'Frau Oberstleutnant' (Ms. Lieutenant Colonel) for a woman.
EXAMPLE
Herr Oberstleutnant, Ihr Befehl wurde ausgeführt.
Lieutenant Colonel, your order has been carried out.
Compare with
Oberstleutnant vs Major
major
'der Major' and 'der Oberstleutnant' are both military officer ranks. They can be confused because they are close to each other in the hierarchy. A Major ranks below an Oberstleutnant. So the Oberstleutnant is the higher rank and stands between Major and Oberst. When it comes to hierarchy or orders in the military, you should distinguish carefully between the two.
Oberstleutnant
Der Oberstleutnant übernimmt morgen die Leitung der Besprechung.
The lieutenant colonel will take over leading the meeting tomorrow.
Major
Beim Appell meldet der Major die Ergebnisse der Übung.
At roll call, the major reports the results of the exercise.
In real life
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