Historical reference · 1933–1945
Nazi Germany Military Ranks Encyclopedia
Rank & Reputation
137 ranks and grades across the Army, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, SS, SA, NSDAP, Hitler Youth and Reich Labour Service – with what each one commanded and where it sat against the others.
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Eight organisations ran parallel hierarchies between 1933 and 1945, and they were not interchangeable. A man could be an SS-Sturmbannführer and a Kreisleiter at once, and neither title told you what the other one meant.
This table lists every rank in all eight, with the level it sat at, what it commanded and where it maps onto the others. Search a term, filter by organisation, or sort the whole list by rank order.
Ranks across the military and party organisations
Sorted by rank order within each organisation: Army first, then Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, SS, SA, NSDAP, Hitler Youth and Reich Labour Service.
Schütze (Rifleman)
Mannschaften (Enlisted) · OR‑1
Wehrmacht – Heer (Army)
Basic enlisted rank, lowest rank in the Army.
Full entry: Schütze (Rifleman)
Function and command scope
Infantryman; basic duties in the unit.
Insignia
Shoulder straps without stars; rank insignia as sleeve badge (no chevrons). Waffenfarbe (branch color) according to troop type.
Requirements
Conscription/recruitment.
Pay group
Enlisted (lowest pay grade).
Variants
Grenadier, Füsilier, Jäger, Panzergrenadier, Panzerschütze, Kanonier (Gunner), Pionier (Pioneer), Kraftfahrer (Driver), Funker (Radio Operator), Fahrer (Driver).
In use
1935–1945 (Wehrmacht).
Notes
Basic rank after basic training. Designation varied by branch (e.g., Grenadier for infantry, Kanonier for artillery).
Sources
H.Dv. 102/1 Section on Rank Designations.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Luftwaffe Flieger (Airman)equivalent
- Kriegsmarine Matrose (Seaman)equivalent
- SS SS-Mannapproximate
Gefreiter (Lance Corporal)
Mannschaften (Enlisted) · OR‑2
Wehrmacht – Heer (Army)
First rank after basic rank; recognition for proven service.
Above: Obergefreiter (Senior Lance Corporal) Below: Schütze (Rifleman)
Full entry: Gefreiter (Lance Corporal)
Function and command scope
Experienced soldier; possibly squad assistant.
Insignia
Sleeve insignia: one chevron (Winkel); shoulder straps without stars.
Requirements
Proven service; approx. 6–12 months service time.
Pay group
Enlisted.
In use
1935–1945.
Notes
Common enlisted rank. Promotion based on performance and time in service.
Sources
H.Dv. 102/1.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Luftwaffe Gefreiterequivalent
- Kriegsmarine Matrosengefreiter (Seaman Apprentice)equivalent
- SS SS-Sturmmannapproximate
Obergefreiter (Senior Lance Corporal)
Mannschaften (Enlisted) · OR‑3
Wehrmacht – Heer (Army)
Higher enlisted rank, often squad leader deputy.
Above: Stabsgefreiter (Staff Lance Corporal) Below: Gefreiter (Lance Corporal)
Full entry: Obergefreiter (Senior Lance Corporal)
Function and command scope
Deputy squad leader or specialist.
Insignia
Sleeve insignia: two chevrons (Winkel); shoulder straps without stars.
Requirements
Further proven service and reliability.
Pay group
Enlisted.
In use
1935–1945.
Notes
Often served as squad leader or specialist (driver, radio operator).
Equivalents in other organisations
- Luftwaffe Obergefreiterequivalent
- Kriegsmarine Matrosenobergefreiter (Seaman)equivalent
- SS SS-Rottenführerapproximate
Stabsgefreiter (Staff Lance Corporal)
Mannschaften (Enlisted) · OR‑4
Wehrmacht – Heer (Army)
Highest enlisted rank; often with extended duties.
Above: Unteroffizier (Corporal) Below: Obergefreiter (Senior Lance Corporal)
Full entry: Stabsgefreiter (Staff Lance Corporal)
Function and command scope
Deputy squad leader / specialist.
Insignia
Sleeve insignia: extended chevron marking; shoulder straps without stars.
Requirements
Multiple years of service and proven performance.
Pay group
Enlisted (highest grade).
Variants
Hauptgefreiter (used in some units/periods).
In use
1935–1945.
Notes
Relatively rare; often transitioned to NCO corps. Highest enlisted rank before promotion to Unteroffizier.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Luftwaffe Hauptgefreiter/Stabsgefreitervaried by period
- Kriegsmarine Matrosenstabsgefreiter (Leading Seaman)equivalent
Unteroffizier (Corporal)
Unteroffiziere ohne Portepee (Junior NCOs) · OR‑5
Wehrmacht – Heer (Army)
Lowest NCO rank; squad leader (Gruppenführer).
Above: Unterfeldwebel (Junior Sergeant) Below: Stabsgefreiter (Staff Lance Corporal)
Full entry: Unteroffizier (Corporal)
Function and command scope
Leadership of a squad (Gruppe, approx. 8–12 men).
Insignia
Shoulder straps with silver NCO braid (Tresse); collar patches with braid.
Requirements
NCO school (Unteroffiziersschule); proven service as Gefreiter.
Pay group
NCO (Unteroffiziere).
In use
1935–1945.
Notes
Foundation of squad leadership. First NCO rank requiring formal training.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Luftwaffe Unteroffizierequivalent
- Kriegsmarine Maat (Petty Officer 3rd Class)equivalent
- SS SS-Unterscharführerapproximate
Unterfeldwebel (Junior Sergeant)
Unteroffiziere ohne Portepee (Junior NCOs) · OR‑6
Wehrmacht – Heer (Army)
Experienced NCO; squad leader or deputy platoon leader.
Above: Feldwebel (Sergeant) Below: Unteroffizier (Corporal)
Full entry: Unterfeldwebel (Junior Sergeant)
Function and command scope
Squad leadership; deputy platoon leader.
Insignia
Like Unteroffizier, with additional distinguishing stars.
Requirements
Proven service as Unteroffizier.
Pay group
NCO (Unteroffiziere).
In use
1935–1945.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Luftwaffe Unterfeldwebelequivalent
- Kriegsmarine Obermaatequivalent
- SS SS-Scharführerapproximate
Feldwebel (Sergeant)
Unteroffiziere mit Portepee (Senior NCOs) · OR‑7
Wehrmacht – Heer (Army)
Platoon leader (Zugführer) or company sergeant major ('Spieß').
Above: Oberfeldwebel (Staff Sergeant) Below: Unterfeldwebel (Junior Sergeant)
Full entry: Feldwebel (Sergeant)
Function and command scope
Platoon leadership; company staff duties.
Insignia
NCO braid on collar/shoulder; distinguishing stars. Portepee authorized.
In use
1935–1945.
Notes
Backbone of the company as sergeant major ('Spieß'). Key leadership position.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Luftwaffe Feldwebelequivalent
- Kriegsmarine Bootsmannequivalent
- SS SS-Oberscharführerapproximate
Oberfeldwebel (Staff Sergeant)
Unteroffiziere mit Portepee (Senior NCOs) · OR‑8
Wehrmacht – Heer (Army)
Senior NCO; often company sergeant major or senior platoon leader.
Above: Stabsfeldwebel (Master Sergeant) Below: Feldwebel (Sergeant)
Full entry: Oberfeldwebel (Staff Sergeant)
Function and command scope
Senior company NCO (Hauptfeldwebel duties) or experienced platoon leader.
Insignia
NCO braid with additional rank stars on shoulder straps. Portepee authorized.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Luftwaffe Oberfeldwebelequivalent
- SS SS-Hauptscharführerapproximate
Stabsfeldwebel (Master Sergeant)
Unteroffiziere mit Portepee (Senior NCOs) · OR‑9
Wehrmacht – Heer (Army)
Highest NCO rank; battalion-level senior NCO or specialist.
Above: Leutnant Below: Oberfeldwebel
Full entry: Stabsfeldwebel (Master Sergeant)
Function and command scope
Battalion staff NCO; senior technical specialist.
Insignia
NCO braid with distinctive rank stars. Portepee authorized.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Luftwaffe Stabsfeldwebelequivalent
- SS SS-Sturmscharführerapproximate
Leutnant (Second Lieutenant)
Offiziere (Company Officers) · OF‑1
Wehrmacht – Heer (Army)
Lowest officer rank; platoon leader.
Above: Oberleutnant Below: Stabsfeldwebel
Full entry: Leutnant (Second Lieutenant)
Function and command scope
Platoon leader (Zugführer, 30–40 men); company staff officer.
Insignia
Officer shoulder boards (Schulterstücke) with one star (pip). Silver braid.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Luftwaffe Leutnantequivalent
- SS SS-Untersturmführerapproximate
Oberleutnant (First Lieutenant)
Offiziere (Company Officers) · OF‑1
Wehrmacht – Heer (Army)
Senior lieutenant; platoon leader or company executive officer.
Above: Hauptmann Below: Leutnant
Full entry: Oberleutnant (First Lieutenant)
Function and command scope
Experienced platoon leader; deputy company commander.
Insignia
Officer shoulder boards with two stars (pips). Silver braid.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Luftwaffe Oberleutnantequivalent
- SS SS-Obersturmführerapproximate
Hauptmann (Captain)
Offiziere (Company Officers) · OF‑2
Wehrmacht – Heer (Army)
Company commander (Kompaniechef).
Above: Major Below: Oberleutnant
Full entry: Hauptmann (Captain)
Function and command scope
Command of a company (100–250 men); battalion staff officer.
Insignia
Officer shoulder boards with three stars. Silver braid.
Variants
Rittmeister (cavalry units).
Equivalents in other organisations
- Luftwaffe Hauptmannequivalent
- SS SS-Hauptsturmführerapproximate
Major (Major)
Stabsoffiziere (Field Officers) · OF‑3
Wehrmacht – Heer (Army)
Battalion commander or senior staff officer.
Above: Oberstleutnant Below: Hauptmann
Full entry: Major (Major)
Function and command scope
Battalion commander (500–1000 men); regimental staff officer.
Insignia
Officer shoulder boards with oak leaves. Gold braid.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Luftwaffe Majorequivalent
- SS SS-Sturmbannführerapproximate
Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant Colonel)
Stabsoffiziere (Field Officers) · OF‑4
Wehrmacht – Heer (Army)
Senior battalion commander or regimental executive officer.
Above: Oberst Below: Major
Full entry: Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant Colonel)
Function and command scope
Large battalion commander; deputy regimental commander; divisional staff.
Insignia
Officer shoulder boards with oak leaves and one star. Gold braid.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Luftwaffe Oberstleutnantequivalent
- SS SS-Obersturmbannführerapproximate
Oberst (Colonel)
Stabsoffiziere (Field Officers) · OF‑5
Wehrmacht – Heer (Army)
Regimental commander (Regimentskommandeur).
Above: Generalmajor Below: Oberstleutnant
Full entry: Oberst (Colonel)
Function and command scope
Command of a regiment (2000–3000 men); brigade commander.
Insignia
Officer shoulder boards with oak leaves and two stars. Gold braid.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Luftwaffe Oberstequivalent
- SS SS-Standartenführerapproximate
Generalmajor (Major General)
Generale (General Officers) · OF‑6
Wehrmacht – Heer (Army)
Divisional commander or senior corps staff officer.
Above: Generalleutnant Below: Oberst
Full entry: Generalmajor (Major General)
Function and command scope
Division commander (10,000–20,000 men); corps staff.
Insignia
General officer boards with crossed batons and one star. Gold braid.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Luftwaffe Generalmajorequivalent
- SS SS-Brigadeführerapproximate
Generalleutnant (Lieutenant Gen.)
Generale (General Officers) · OF‑7
Wehrmacht – Heer (Army)
Corps commander or senior army staff officer.
Above: General der Infanterie/etc. Below: Generalmajor
Full entry: Generalleutnant (Lieutenant Gen.)
Function and command scope
Corps commander (30,000–50,000 men); army staff.
Insignia
General officer boards with crossed batons and two stars.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Luftwaffe Generalleutnantequivalent
- SS SS-Gruppenführerapproximate
General der (Waffengattung)
Generale (General Officers) · OF‑8
Wehrmacht – Heer (Army)
Army commander or OKH senior staff.
Above: Generaloberst Below: Generalleutnant
Full entry: General der (Waffengattung)
Function and command scope
Army commander (100,000+ men); OKH senior positions.
Insignia
General officer boards with crossed batons and three stars.
Variants
General der Infanterie, General der Panzertruppe, General der Artillerie etc.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Luftwaffe General der Flieger/etc.equivalent
- SS SS-Obergruppenführerapproximate
Generaloberst (Colonel General)
Generale (General Officers) · OF‑9
Wehrmacht – Heer (Army)
Army group commander or OKH Chief of Staff.
Above: Generalfeldmarschall Below: General
Full entry: Generaloberst (Colonel General)
Function and command scope
Army Group commander (500,000+ men); OKH Chief of Staff.
Insignia
General officer boards with crossed batons and oak leaves.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Luftwaffe Generaloberstequivalent
- SS SS-Oberst-Gruppenführerapproximate
Generalfeldmarschall (Field Marshal)
Generale (General Officers) · OF‑10
Wehrmacht – Heer (Army)
Highest Wehrmacht rank; ceremonial and strategic command.
Below: Generaloberst
Full entry: Generalfeldmarschall (Field Marshal)
Function and command scope
Supreme operational command; strategic advisory to Hitler.
Insignia
General officer boards with batons & oak leaves wreath. Field Marshal's baton.
Notes
Highest military rank. Only 25 Wehrmacht officers achieved this rank.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Luftwaffe Generalfeldmarschallequivalent
- SS Reichsführer-SSunique position
Flieger (Airman)
Mannschaften (Enlisted) · OR‑1
Wehrmacht – Luftwaffe (Air Force)
Basic enlisted rank in the Luftwaffe, lowest rank.
Above: Gefreiter
Full entry: Flieger (Airman)
Function and command scope
Basic duties in air force units; ground crew, support personnel.
Insignia
Shoulder straps without stars; Waffenfarbe yellow or red. No chevrons.
Variants
Fliegerschütze, Bordfunker, Bordmechaniker.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Army Schützeequivalent
- SS SS-Mannapproximate
Gefreiter (Lance Corporal)
Mannschaften (Enlisted) · OR‑2
Wehrmacht – Luftwaffe (Air Force)
First rank after basic rank; recognition for proven service.
Above: Obergefreiter Below: Flieger
Full entry: Gefreiter (Lance Corporal)
Function and command scope
Experienced airman; possibly crew assistant or specialist.
Insignia
Sleeve insignia: one chevron (Winkel).
Equivalents in other organisations
- Army Gefreiterequivalent
Obergefreiter (Senior Lance Corporal)
Mannschaften (Enlisted) · OR‑3
Wehrmacht – Luftwaffe (Air Force)
Higher enlisted rank, often specialist or crew leader.
Above: Hauptgefreiter Below: Gefreiter
Full entry: Obergefreiter (Senior Lance Corporal)
Function and command scope
Specialist (mechanic, radio operator); crew leader.
Insignia
Sleeve insignia: two chevrons.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Army Obergefreiterequivalent
Hauptgefreiter (Chief Lance Corporal)
Mannschaften (Enlisted) · OR‑4
Wehrmacht – Luftwaffe (Air Force)
Highest enlisted rank in Luftwaffe; senior specialist.
Above: Unteroffizier Below: Obergefreiter
Full entry: Hauptgefreiter (Chief Lance Corporal)
Function and command scope
Senior specialist; crew chief.
Insignia
Extended chevron marking.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Army Stabsgefreiterequivalent
Unteroffizier (Corporal)
Unteroffiziere ohne Portepee (Junior NCOs) · OR‑5
Wehrmacht – Luftwaffe (Air Force)
Lowest NCO rank; crew leader or technical supervisor.
Above: Unterfeldwebel Below: Hauptgefreiter
Full entry: Unteroffizier (Corporal)
Function and command scope
Crew leader; technical section leader.
Unterfeldwebel (Junior Sergeant)
Unteroffiziere ohne Portepee (Junior NCOs) · OR‑6
Wehrmacht – Luftwaffe (Air Force)
Experienced NCO; senior crew leader.
Above: Feldwebel Below: Unteroffizier
Feldwebel (Sergeant)
Unteroffiziere mit Portepee (Senior NCOs) · OR‑7
Wehrmacht – Luftwaffe (Air Force)
Senior NCO; flight crew leader.
Above: Oberfeldwebel Below: Unterfeldwebel
Oberfeldwebel (Staff Sergeant)
Unteroffiziere mit Portepee (Senior NCOs) · OR‑8
Wehrmacht – Luftwaffe (Air Force)
Senior NCO; senior flight crew leader.
Above: Stabsfeldwebel Below: Feldwebel
Stabsfeldwebel (Master Sergeant)
Unteroffiziere mit Portepee (Senior NCOs) · OR‑9
Wehrmacht – Luftwaffe (Air Force)
Highest NCO rank; master technician.
Above: Leutnant Below: Oberfeldwebel
Leutnant (Second Lieutenant)
Offiziere (Company Officers) · OF‑1
Wehrmacht – Luftwaffe (Air Force)
Lowest officer rank; flight leader.
Above: Oberleutnant Below: Stabsfeldwebel
Oberleutnant (First Lieutenant)
Offiziere (Company Officers) · OF‑1
Wehrmacht – Luftwaffe (Air Force)
Senior lieutenant; flight leader.
Above: Hauptmann Below: Leutnant
Hauptmann (Captain)
Offiziere (Company Officers) · OF‑2
Wehrmacht – Luftwaffe (Air Force)
Squadron commander (Staffelkapitän).
Above: Major Below: Oberleutnant
Major (Major)
Stabsoffiziere (Field Officers) · OF‑3
Wehrmacht – Luftwaffe (Air Force)
Group commander (Gruppenkommandeur).
Above: Oberstleutnant Below: Hauptmann
Oberstleutnant (Lieutenant Colonel)
Stabsoffiziere (Field Officers) · OF‑4
Wehrmacht – Luftwaffe (Air Force)
Senior group commander or wing executive officer.
Above: Oberst Below: Major
Oberst (Colonel)
Stabsoffiziere (Field Officers) · OF‑5
Wehrmacht – Luftwaffe (Air Force)
Wing commander (Geschwaderkommodore).
Above: Generalmajor Below: Oberstleutnant
Generalmajor (Major General)
Generale (General Officers) · OF‑6
Wehrmacht – Luftwaffe (Air Force)
Air division commander.
Above: Generalleutnant Below: Oberst
Generalleutnant (Lieutenant Gen.)
Generale (General Officers) · OF‑7
Wehrmacht – Luftwaffe (Air Force)
Air corps commander.
Above: General Below: Generalmajor
General der Flieger (General)
Generale (General Officers) · OF‑8
Wehrmacht – Luftwaffe (Air Force)
Air fleet commander or OKL senior staff.
Above: Generaloberst Below: Generalleutnant
Generaloberst (Colonel General)
Generale (General Officers) · OF‑9
Wehrmacht – Luftwaffe (Air Force)
Senior air fleet commander or OKL Chief of Staff.
Above: Generalfeldmarschall Below: General
Generalfeldmarschall (Field Marshal)
Generale (General Officers) · OF‑10
Wehrmacht – Luftwaffe (Air Force)
Highest Luftwaffe rank; ceremonial and strategic command.
Above: Reichsmarschall Below: Generaloberst
Reichsmarschall (Reich Marshal)
Generale (General Officers) · OF‑10+
Wehrmacht – Luftwaffe (Air Force)
Unique rank created exclusively for Hermann Göring.
Below: Generalfeldmarschall
Full entry: Reichsmarschall (Reich Marshal)
Function and command scope
Supreme commander of the Luftwaffe.
Notes
Unique rank in German military history.
Matrose (Seaman)
Mannschaften (Enlisted) · OR‑1
Wehrmacht – Kriegsmarine (Navy)
Basic enlisted rank in the Kriegsmarine, lowest naval rank.
Above: Matrosengefreiter
Matrosengefreiter (Able Seaman)
Mannschaften (Enlisted) · OR‑2
Wehrmacht – Kriegsmarine (Navy)
First rank after basic rank; recognition for proven service at sea.
Above: Matrosenobergefreiter Below: Matrose
Matrosenobergefreiter (Leading Seaman)
Mannschaften (Enlisted) · OR‑3
Wehrmacht – Kriegsmarine (Navy)
Higher enlisted rank, often specialist or section assistant.
Above: Matrosenhauptgefreiter Below: Matrosengefreiter
Matrosenhauptgefreiter (Senior Leading Seaman)
Mannschaften (Enlisted) · OR‑4
Wehrmacht – Kriegsmarine (Navy)
Highest enlisted rank in Kriegsmarine; senior specialist.
Above: Maat Below: Matrosenobergefreiter
Maat (Petty Officer)
Unteroffiziere ohne Portepee (Junior NCOs) · OR‑5
Wehrmacht – Kriegsmarine (Navy)
Lowest NCO rank; section leader aboard ship.
Above: Obermaat Below: Matrosenhauptgefreiter
Obermaat (Senior Petty Officer)
Unteroffiziere ohne Portepee (Junior NCOs) · OR‑6
Wehrmacht – Kriegsmarine (Navy)
Experienced NCO; senior section leader.
Above: Bootsmann Below: Maat
Bootsmann (Boatswain)
Unteroffiziere mit Portepee (Senior NCOs) · OR‑7
Wehrmacht – Kriegsmarine (Navy)
Senior NCO; division leader or senior technical specialist.
Above: Oberbootsmann Below: Obermaat
Oberbootsmann (Chief Boatswain)
Unteroffiziere mit Portepee (Senior NCOs) · OR‑8
Wehrmacht – Kriegsmarine (Navy)
Senior NCO; senior division leader or department chief.
Above: Stabsoberbootsmann Below: Bootsmann
Stabsoberbootsmann (Senior Chief Boatswain)
Unteroffiziere mit Portepee (Senior NCOs) · OR‑9
Wehrmacht – Kriegsmarine (Navy)
Highest NCO rank; ship's senior NCO or master specialist.
Above: Leutnant zur See Below: Oberbootsmann
Leutnant zur See (Ensign)
Offiziere (Company Officers) · OF‑1
Wehrmacht – Kriegsmarine (Navy)
Lowest officer rank; junior watch officer.
Above: Oberleutnant zur See Below: Stabsoberbootsmann
Oberleutnant zur See (Sub-Lieutenant)
Offiziere (Company Officers) · OF‑1
Wehrmacht – Kriegsmarine (Navy)
Senior lieutenant; watch officer.
Above: Kapitänleutnant Below: Leutnant zur See
Kapitänleutnant (Lieutenant)
Offiziere (Company Officers) · OF‑2
Wehrmacht – Kriegsmarine (Navy)
U-boat commander; department head.
Above: Korvettenkapitän Below: Oberleutnant zur See
Korvettenkapitän (Lieutenant Commander)
Stabsoffiziere (Field Officers) · OF‑3
Wehrmacht – Kriegsmarine (Navy)
Senior U-boat commander; light cruiser commander.
Above: Fregattenkapitän Below: Kapitänleutnant
Fregattenkapitän (Commander)
Stabsoffiziere (Field Officers) · OF‑4
Wehrmacht – Kriegsmarine (Navy)
Heavy cruiser commander; U-boat flotilla commander.
Above: Kapitän zur See Below: Korvettenkapitän
Kapitän zur See (Captain at Sea)
Stabsoffiziere (Field Officers) · OF‑5
Wehrmacht – Kriegsmarine (Navy)
Battleship/aircraft carrier commander.
Above: Konteradmiral Below: Fregattenkapitän
Konteradmiral (Rear Admiral)
Admirale (Flag Officers) · OF‑6
Wehrmacht – Kriegsmarine (Navy)
Squadron commander or senior fleet staff officer.
Above: Vizeadmiral Below: Kapitän zur See
Vizeadmiral (Vice Admiral)
Admirale (Flag Officers) · OF‑7
Wehrmacht – Kriegsmarine (Navy)
Fleet commander or senior naval command staff.
Above: Admiral Below: Konteradmiral
Admiral (Admiral)
Admirale (Flag Officers) · OF‑8
Wehrmacht – Kriegsmarine (Navy)
Fleet group commander or OKM senior staff.
Above: Generaladmiral Below: Vizeadmiral
Generaladmiral (General Admiral)
Admirale (Flag Officers) · OF‑9
Wehrmacht – Kriegsmarine (Navy)
Supreme fleet commander or OKM Chief of Staff.
Above: Großadmiral Below: Admiral
Großadmiral (Grand Admiral)
Admirale (Flag Officers) · OF‑10
Wehrmacht – Kriegsmarine (Navy)
Highest Kriegsmarine rank; Supreme Commander of the Navy.
Below: Generaladmiral
SS-Anwärter (Candidate)
Mannschaften (OR‑1)
SS / Waffen-SS
Probationary rank; candidate for SS membership.
Above: SS-Mann
SS-Mann (Private)
Mannschaften (OR‑1)
SS / Waffen-SS
Basic SS rank; full SS member.
Above: SS-Sturmmann Below: SS-Anwärter
SS-Sturmmann (Lance Corporal)
Mannschaften (OR‑2)
SS / Waffen-SS
First rank after basic rank; experienced SS soldier.
Above: SS-Rottenführer Below: SS-Mann
SS-Rottenführer (Senior Lance Corporal)
Mannschaften (OR‑3)
SS / Waffen-SS
Team leader; lowest leadership rank.
Above: SS-Unterscharführer Below: SS-Sturmmann
SS-Unterscharführer (Corporal)
Unterführer (OR‑5)
SS / Waffen-SS
Squad leader; lowest NCO rank.
Above: SS-Scharführer Below: SS-Rottenführer
SS-Scharführer (Junior Sergeant)
Unterführer (OR‑6)
SS / Waffen-SS
Experienced squad leader or section leader.
Above: SS-Oberscharführer Below: SS-Unterscharführer
SS-Oberscharführer (Sergeant)
Unterführer (OR‑7)
SS / Waffen-SS
Platoon sergeant or senior section leader.
Above: SS-Hauptscharführer Below: SS-Scharführer
SS-Hauptscharführer (Staff Sergeant)
Unterführer (OR‑8)
SS / Waffen-SS
Company sergeant major; senior NCO.
Above: SS-Sturmscharführer Below: SS-Oberscharführer
SS-Sturmscharführer (Master Sergeant)
Unterführer (OR‑9)
SS / Waffen-SS
Highest NCO rank; battalion senior NCO.
Above: SS-Untersturmführer Below: SS-Hauptscharführer
SS-Untersturmführer (Second Lieutenant)
Führer (OF‑1)
SS / Waffen-SS
Lowest officer rank; platoon leader.
Above: SS-Obersturmführer Below: SS-Sturmscharführer
SS-Obersturmführer (First Lieutenant)
Führer (OF‑1)
SS / Waffen-SS
Senior lieutenant; platoon leader or company executive officer.
Above: SS-Hauptsturmführer Below: SS-Untersturmführer
SS-Hauptsturmführer (Captain)
Führer (OF‑2)
SS / Waffen-SS
Company commander. In the camp system, a rank frequently held by commandants of smaller camps and by heads of camp departments.
Above: SS-Sturmbannführer Below: SS-Obersturmführer
SS-Sturmbannführer (Major)
Führer (OF‑3)
SS / Waffen-SS
Battalion commander. Also the usual rank of commandants of the larger concentration camps.
Above: SS-Obersturmbannführer Below: SS-Hauptsturmführer
SS-Obersturmbannführer (Lieutenant Colonel)
Führer (OF‑4)
SS / Waffen-SS
Senior battalion commander or regimental executive officer.
Above: SS-Standartenführer Below: SS-Sturmbannführer
SS-Standartenführer (Colonel)
Führer (OF‑5)
SS / Waffen-SS
Regimental commander; in the camp administration, an inspectorate-level post.
Above: SS-Oberführer Below: SS-Obersturmbannführer
SS-Oberführer (Senior Colonel)
Führer (OF‑5+)
SS / Waffen-SS
Senior regimental commander or brigade commander; unique SS rank.
Above: SS-Brigadeführer Below: SS-Standartenführer
SS-Brigadeführer (Major General)
Generale (OF‑6)
SS / Waffen-SS
Divisional commander or senior corps staff officer.
Above: SS-Gruppenführer Below: SS-Oberführer
SS-Gruppenführer (Lieutenant Gen.)
Generale (OF‑7)
SS / Waffen-SS
Corps commander or senior staff officer.
Above: SS-Obergruppenführer Below: SS-Brigadeführer
SS-Obergruppenführer (General)
Generale (OF‑8)
SS / Waffen-SS
Army commander or OKW/RSHA senior staff.
Above: SS-Oberstgruppenführer Below: SS-Gruppenführer
SS-Oberstgruppenführer (Colonel General)
Generale (OF‑9)
SS / Waffen-SS
Army group commander or highest SS operational command.
Above: Reichsführer-SS Below: SS-Obergruppenführer
Reichsführer-SS (Reich Leader-SS)
Generale (OF‑10+)
SS / Waffen-SS
Supreme commander of the entire SS; exclusively Himmler.
Below: SS-Oberstgruppenführer
SA-Mann (Private)
Mannschaften (OR‑1)
SA (Sturmabteilung)
Basic SA rank; stormtrooper.
Above: SA-Sturmmann
SA-Sturmmann (Lance Corporal)
Mannschaften (OR‑2)
SA (Sturmabteilung)
Experienced stormtrooper; first rank above basic.
Above: SA-Rottenführer Below: SA-Mann
SA-Rottenführer (Senior Lance Corporal)
Mannschaften (OR‑3)
SA (Sturmabteilung)
Section leader; lowest leadership rank.
Above: SA-Scharführer Below: SA-Sturmmann
SA-Scharführer (Corporal)
Unterführer (OR‑5)
SA (Sturmabteilung)
Squad leader; NCO rank.
Above: SA-Oberscharführer Below: SA-Rottenführer
SA-Oberscharführer (Junior Sergeant)
Unterführer (OR‑6)
SA (Sturmabteilung)
Senior squad leader; experienced NCO.
Above: SA-Truppführer Below: SA-Scharführer
SA-Truppführer (Troop Leader)
Unterführer (OR‑7)
SA (Sturmabteilung)
Platoon leader; senior NCO.
Above: SA-Obertruppführer Below: SA-Oberscharführer
SA-Obertruppführer (Senior Troop Leader)
Unterführer (OR‑8)
SA (Sturmabteilung)
Senior platoon leader; highest NCO rank.
Above: SA-Sturmführer Below: SA-Truppführer
SA-Sturmführer (Second Lieutenant)
Führer (OF‑1)
SA (Sturmabteilung)
Company commander; lowest officer rank.
Above: SA-Obersturmführer Below: SA-Obertruppführer
SA-Obersturmführer (First Lieutenant)
Führer (OF‑1)
SA (Sturmabteilung)
Senior company commander or battalion staff officer.
Above: SA-Hauptsturmführer Below: SA-Sturmführer
SA-Hauptsturmführer (Captain)
Führer (OF‑2)
SA (Sturmabteilung)
Battalion staff officer or senior company commander.
Above: SA-Sturmbannführer Below: SA-Obersturmführer
SA-Sturmbannführer (Major)
Führer (OF‑3)
SA (Sturmabteilung)
Battalion commander or district SA leader.
Above: SA-Obersturmbannführer Below: SA-Hauptsturmführer
SA-Obersturmbannführer (Lieutenant Colonel)
Führer (OF‑4)
SA (Sturmabteilung)
Senior battalion commander or regimental staff officer.
Above: SA-Standartenführer Below: SA-Sturmbannführer
SA-Standartenführer (Colonel)
Führer (OF‑5)
SA (Sturmabteilung)
Regimental commander or regional SA leader.
Above: SA-Oberführer Below: SA-Obersturmbannführer
SA-Oberführer (Senior Colonel)
Führer (OF‑5+)
SA (Sturmabteilung)
Brigade commander or senior regional SA leader.
Above: SA-Brigadeführer Below: SA-Standartenführer
SA-Brigadeführer (Major General)
Generale (OF‑6)
SA (Sturmabteilung)
Brigade commander or regional SA group leader.
Above: SA-Gruppenführer Below: SA-Oberführer
SA-Gruppenführer (Lieutenant Gen.)
Generale (OF‑7)
SA (Sturmabteilung)
Regional SA group commander; senior SA leader.
Above: SA-Obergruppenführer Below: SA-Brigadeführer
SA-Obergruppenführer (General)
Generale (OF‑8)
SA (Sturmabteilung)
Senior regional commander or SA Chief of Staff deputy.
Above: Stabschef der SA Below: SA-Gruppenführer
Stabschef der SA (SA Chief of Staff)
Generale (OF‑10+)
SA (Sturmabteilung)
Supreme commander of the entire SA; highest SA rank.
Below: SA-Obergruppenführer
Parteimitglied (Party Member)
Basis
NSDAP (party hierarchy)
Basic NSDAP membership; no leadership function.
Above: Blockhelfer
Blockhelfer (Block Assistant)
Unterste Führungsebene
NSDAP (party hierarchy)
Assistant to Blockleiter; lowest party leadership function.
Above: Blockleiter Below: Parteimitglied
Blockleiter (Block Leader)
Unterste Führungsebene
NSDAP (party hierarchy)
Neighborhood block leader; responsible for 40-60 households.
Above: Zellenleiter Below: Blockhelfer
Zellenleiter (Cell Leader)
Untere Führungsebene
NSDAP (party hierarchy)
Cell leader; supervised 4-8 Blockleiter.
Above: Ortsgruppenleiter Below: Blockleiter
Ortsgruppenleiter (Local Group Leader)
Mittlere Führungsebene
NSDAP (party hierarchy)
Local group leader; supervised 4-8 Zellenleiter.
Above: Kreisleiter Below: Zellenleiter
Kreisleiter (County Leader)
Mittlere Führungsebene
NSDAP (party hierarchy)
District leader; supervised multiple Ortsgruppen.
Above: Gauleiter Below: Ortsgruppenleiter
Gauleiter (District Leader)
Obere Führungsebene
NSDAP (party hierarchy)
Regional leader; supreme party authority in Gau.
Above: Reichsleiter Below: Kreisleiter
Reichsleiter (Reich Leader)
Höchste Führungsebene
NSDAP (party hierarchy)
Reich leader; highest party rank below Hitler.
Above: Führer Below: Gauleiter
Führer (Leader)
Absolute Führungsebene
NSDAP (party hierarchy)
Absolute leader of NSDAP and Nazi Germany; Adolf Hitler.
Below: Reichsleiter
HJ-Mitglied (HJ Member)
Basis (14-18 Jahre)
Hitlerjugend and Bund Deutscher Mädel
Basic membership in HJ or BDM.
Above: Kameradschaftsführer
Pimpf / Jungmädel (Cub / Young Girl)
Basis (10-14 Jahre)
Hitlerjugend and Bund Deutscher Mädel
Basic youth membership in DJ (boys) or JM (girls).
Above: Jungzugführer
Jungenschaftsführer (Junior Squad Leader)
Unterführer
Hitlerjugend and Bund Deutscher Mädel
Squad leader in the Deutsches Jungvolk or Jungmädel; commanded a Jungenschaft of about ten children. The first leadership rung.
Above: Jungzugführer Below: Pimpf / Jungmädel
Kameradschaftsführer (Comrade Leader)
Unterführer
Hitlerjugend and Bund Deutscher Mädel
Squad leader in HJ or BDM; first leadership rank.
Above: Scharführer Below: HJ-Mitglied
Jungzugführer (Junior Platoon Leader)
Unterführer
Hitlerjugend and Bund Deutscher Mädel
Platoon leader in the Deutsches Jungvolk or Jungmädel; commanded a Jungzug of roughly fifty children.
Above: Jungstammführer Below: Jungenschaftsführer
Scharführer (Squad Leader)
Unterführer
Hitlerjugend and Bund Deutscher Mädel
Platoon leader in HJ or BDM.
Above: Gefolgschaftsführer Below: Kameradschaftsführer
Jungstammführer (Junior Unit Leader)
Führer
Hitlerjugend and Bund Deutscher Mädel
Company-level leader in DJ or JM.
Above: HJ-Führer Below: Jungenschaftsführer
Gefolgschaftsführer (Cadre Unit Leader)
Führer
Hitlerjugend and Bund Deutscher Mädel
Company commander in HJ or BDM.
Above: Stammführer Below: Scharführer
Stammführer (Unit Leader)
Führer (Leaders, ages 18-25)
Hitlerjugend and Bund Deutscher Mädel
Battalion commander in HJ or BDM; professional youth leader.
Above: Bannführer (HJ) / Mädeluntergauführerin (BDM) Below: Gefolgschaftsführer (HJ) / Mädelgruppenführerin (BDM)
Full entry: Stammführer (Unit Leader)
Function and command scope
HJ: Commanded battalion (Stamm, 600-800 boys). BDM: Led ring (Mädelring, 600-800 girls).
Insignia
HJ: Brown uniform, black pants, four white stripes on left sleeve. BDM: Dark blue uniform jacket, four white stripes.
Requirements
Age 18-25; extensive leadership experience; full-time position.
Pay group
Salary (full-time position).
In use
1926–1945.
Notes
Battalion-level command. Professional full-time youth leaders. Regional authority.
Equivalents in other organisations
- NSDAP Kreisleiterapproximate
- SA SA-Sturmbannführerbattalion commander
- Wehrmacht Hauptmannofficer equivalent
Bannführer (Banner Leader)
Führer (Leaders, ages 20-30)
Hitlerjugend and Bund Deutscher Mädel
Regimental commander in HJ or BDM; district youth leader.
Above: Gebietsführer (HJ) / Mädelobergauführerin (BDM) Below: Stammführer (HJ) / Mädelringführerin (BDM)
Full entry: Bannführer (Banner Leader)
Function and command scope
HJ: Commanded regiment (Bann, 3,000-5,000 boys); district HJ leader. BDM: Led sub-region (Untergau, 3,000-5,000 girls).
Insignia
HJ: Brown uniform, peaked cap with chin cord, special collar patches. BDM: Dark blue uniform, special collar patches.
Requirements
Age 20-30; extensive command experience.
Pay group
Salary (senior full-time position).
In use
1926–1945.
Notes
Regimental/district command. Senior professional youth leaders. Coordinated with NSDAP and government officials.
Equivalents in other organisations
- NSDAP Kreisleiterdistrict level
- Wehrmacht Major / Oberstleutnantofficer equivalent
Gebietsführer (Area Leader)
Führer (Leaders, ages 25-40)
Hitlerjugend and Bund Deutscher Mädel
Regional commander in HJ or BDM; highest regional youth leader.
Above: Reichsjugendführer (HJ) Below: Bannführer (HJ)
Full entry: Gebietsführer (Area Leader)
Function and command scope
HJ: Commanded region (Gebiet, 50,000-100,000 boys). BDM: Led region (Obergau, 50,000-100,000 girls).
Insignia
HJ: Brown uniform with elaborate decorations, special collar patches with oak leaves.
Requirements
Age 25-40; exceptional leadership; appointed by Reichsjugendführer.
Pay group
High salary (senior leadership).
In use
1926–1945.
Notes
Highest regional HJ/BDM command. Very powerful positions coordinating with Gauleiter.
Equivalents in other organisations
- NSDAP Gauleiterregional authority
- Wehrmacht Generalmajor / Generalleutnantgeneral officer equivalent
Reichsjugendführer (Reich Youth Leader)
Höchste Führungsebene
Hitlerjugend and Bund Deutscher Mädel
Supreme commander of all HJ or BDM; highest youth leader in Nazi Germany.
Above: Führer (Adolf Hitler) Below: Gebietsführer (HJ)
Full entry: Reichsjugendführer (Reich Youth Leader)
Function and command scope
Supreme commander of entire Hitlerjugend; controlled all youth organizations; direct subordinate to Hitler.
Insignia
Brown uniform with highest decorations, unique insignia, many medals.
Requirements
Appointed by Hitler; absolute loyalty; member of Hitler's inner circle.
Pay group
Highest salary; enormous power.
In use
1931–1945.
Notes
Holders: Baldur von Schirach (1931-1940), Artur Axmann (1940-1945). BDM equivalent was BDM-Reichsreferentin (Jutta Rüdiger).
Equivalents in other organisations
- NSDAP ReichsleiterReich-level leadership
- SA Stabschef der SAsupreme commander equivalent
Arbeitsmaid (Work Maid)
Basis (Frauen)
Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labour Service)
Basic female RAD servicemaid.
Above: Oberarbeitsmaid
Full entry: Arbeitsmaid (Work Maid)
Function and command scope
Domestic labor: farm work, household assistance, childcare.
Insignia
Blue RAD uniform, RAD armband with swastika.
Equivalents in other organisations
- RAD (male) Arbeitsmannmale equivalent
Arbeitsmann (Labour Serviceman)
Basis (18-25 Jahre)
Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labour Service)
Basic RAD serviceman; mandatory 6-month labor service.
Above: Oberarbeitsmann
Oberarbeitsmaid (Senior Work Maid)
Mannschaften (Frauen)
Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labour Service)
Senior female labor servicemaid.
Above: Maidführerin Below: Arbeitsmaid
Full entry: Oberarbeitsmaid (Senior Work Maid)
Function and command scope
Experienced domestic worker; assisted Maidführerin.
Insignia
Blue RAD uniform, one chevron on left sleeve.
Equivalents in other organisations
- RAD (male) Oberarbeitsmannmale equivalent
Oberarbeitsmann (Senior Labour Serviceman)
Mannschaften
Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labour Service)
Senior labor serviceman; experienced worker.
Above: Vormann Below: Arbeitsmann
Full entry: Oberarbeitsmann (Senior Labour Serviceman)
Function and command scope
Experienced manual laborer; assisted Vormann; led small work details.
Insignia
Brown RAD uniform, one chevron (inverted V) on left sleeve, spade, RAD armband.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Wehrmacht Gefreitersenior enlisted
- SA SA-Sturmmannsenior rank
Vormann (Foreman)
Unterführer
Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labour Service)
Foreman; led small work squad (10-15 men).
Above: Obervormann Below: Oberarbeitsmann
Full entry: Vormann (Foreman)
Function and command scope
Led work squad (Kameradschaft); supervised daily labor; maintained discipline.
Insignia
Brown RAD uniform, two chevrons on left sleeve, spade, RAD armband.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Wehrmacht Obergefreitersquad leader level
Obervormann (Senior Foreman)
Unterführer
Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labour Service)
Senior foreman; assistant to Truppführer.
Above: Truppführer (Troop Leader) Below: Vormann (Foreman)
Full entry: Obervormann (Senior Foreman)
Function and command scope
Senior foreman; assisted Truppführer; supervised multiple work squads.
Insignia
Brown RAD uniform, three chevrons on left sleeve, spade, RAD armband.
Pay group
NCO salary.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Wehrmacht Stabsgefreitersenior enlisted
Maidführerin (Maid Leader)
Unterführer (Frauen)
Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labour Service)
Female group leader; led RAD-wJ work group.
Above: RAD-wJ-Führerin Below: Oberarbeitsmaid
Full entry: Maidführerin (Maid Leader)
Function and command scope
Led female work group (Maidschaft, 10-15 women); supervised domestic labor.
Insignia
Blue RAD uniform, collar patches with pips.
Equivalents in other organisations
- RAD (male) Truppführermale equivalent
Truppführer (Troop Leader)
Unterführer
Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labour Service)
Troop leader; commanded RAD troop.
Above: Obertruppführer Below: Obervormann
Full entry: Truppführer (Troop Leader)
Function and command scope
Commanded RAD troop (Trupp, 50-200 men); organized labor projects.
Insignia
Brown RAD uniform, collar patches with one pip (square).
Equivalents in other organisations
- Wehrmacht Feldwebelsenior NCO
Obertruppführer (Senior Troop Leader)
Unterführer
Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labour Service)
Senior troop leader; commanded large RAD troop or assisted Oberfeldmeister.
Above: Oberfeldmeister Below: Truppführer
Full entry: Obertruppführer (Senior Troop Leader)
Function and command scope
Commanded large RAD troop (150-250 men) or served as deputy.
Insignia
Brown RAD uniform, collar patches with two pips.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Wehrmacht Hauptfeldwebelsenior NCO
Oberfeldmeister (Senior Field Master)
Führer
Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labour Service)
Senior field master; commanded RAD battalion.
Above: Arbeitsführer Below: Obertruppführer
Full entry: Oberfeldmeister (Senior Field Master)
Function and command scope
Commanded RAD Abteilung (battalion, 600-1,200 men).
Insignia
Brown RAD uniform, collar patches with three pips.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Wehrmacht Leutnant / Oberleutnantjunior officer
Arbeitsführer (Labour Leader)
Führer
Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labour Service)
Labor leader; commanded RAD Gruppe (regiment).
Above: Oberarbeitsführer Below: Oberfeldmeister
Full entry: Arbeitsführer (Labour Leader)
Function and command scope
Commanded RAD Gruppe (regiment, 2,000-4,000 men); regional RAD commander.
Insignia
Brown RAD uniform, collar patches with four pips, ceremonial spade.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Wehrmacht Hauptmann / Majorsenior officer
RAD-wJ-Führerin (RAD-wJ Leader)
Führer (Frauen)
Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labour Service)
Senior female RAD leader; commanded RAD-wJ regional units.
Above: Reichsreferentin des RAD-wJ Below: Maidführerin
Full entry: RAD-wJ-Führerin (RAD-wJ Leader)
Function and command scope
Commanded RAD-wJ regional units; coordinated female labor service in region.
Insignia
Blue RAD uniform with decorations, special collar patches.
Equivalents in other organisations
- RAD (male) Arbeitsführermale equivalent
Oberarbeitsführer (Senior Labour Leader)
Führer
Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labour Service)
Senior labor leader; commanded RAD Bezirk (district).
Above: Generalarbeitsführer Below: Arbeitsführer
Full entry: Oberarbeitsführer (Senior Labour Leader)
Function and command scope
Commanded RAD Bezirk (district, 10,000-20,000 men).
Insignia
Brown RAD uniform, collar patches with oak leaves and pips.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Wehrmacht Oberstleutnant / Oberstfield grade officer
Generalarbeitsführer (General Labour Leader)
Höchste Führungsebene
Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labour Service)
General labor leader; highest regional RAD commander.
Above: Reichsarbeitsführer Below: Oberarbeitsführer
Full entry: Generalarbeitsführer (General Labour Leader)
Function and command scope
Commanded RAD Gauarbeitsgau (50,000-100,000 men); regional supreme RAD authority.
Insignia
Brown RAD uniform with highest decorations, collar patches with oak leaves and stars.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Wehrmacht Generalmajor / Generalleutnantgeneral officer
Reichsarbeitsführer (Reich Labour Leader)
Höchste Führungsebene
Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labour Service)
Head of the entire Reich Labour Service and State Secretary in the Reich Ministry of the Interior.
Above: Führer (Adolf Hitler) Below: Generalarbeitsführer
Full entry: Reichsarbeitsführer (Reich Labour Leader)
Function and command scope
Supreme commander of entire RAD (male and female); State Secretary in Ministry of Interior.
Insignia
Brown RAD uniform with most elaborate decorations, unique insignia.
Notes
Held exclusively by Konstantin Hierl. Controlled ~350,000 men and 150,000 women.
Equivalents in other organisations
- Wehrmacht Generaloberstsupreme commander equivalent
Reichsreferentin (National Director)
Höchste Führungsebene
Reichsarbeitsdienst (Reich Labour Service)
Reich Female Labor Leader; supreme commander of female RAD.
Above: Reichsarbeitsführer Below: RAD-wJ-Führerin
Full entry: Reichsreferentin (National Director)
Function and command scope
Supreme commander of entire RAD-wJ; subordinate to Reichsarbeitsführer.
Insignia
Blue RAD uniform with highest decorations.
Notes
Held by Dr. Helene Hüttmann. Controlled ~150,000 women.
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