German Conversation · Level 112
45 words
German word
Oberst
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈoːbɐst/
Meaning
- masculine nouncolonel
Example
Der Oberst trug seine Uniform mit Orden.
The colonel wore his uniform decorated with medals.
More examples
Die Soldaten zeigten Respekt vor dem Oberst.
The soldiers showed respect for the colonel.
Core concept
A decorated senior army or air-force officer stands at the head of a large formation and gives orders.
Common phrases
Respekt vor dem Oberst
respect for the colonel
zum Oberst ernannt
appointed colonel
ein Oberst der Brigade
a colonel of the brigade
Similar words
Oberstleutnant: A senior officer who assists with command and staff duties, often as a deputy.
Major: An officer who leads a battalion and helps plan its operations.
General: A senior general officer who directs strategy and commands several divisions.
Hauptmann: A company-level officer who leads troops in the field.
Definition in German
Oberst ist ein hoher Offiziersdienstgrad in Heer und Luftwaffe; ein Oberst führt meist ein Regiment oder eine Brigade.
Word origin
Oberst comes from oberste, the superlative form of ober meaning 'upper', and originally meant 'the highest one' before becoming a military rank.
Usage tips
- Oberst is a masculine noun with the plural die Obersten, and its case forms include den Obersten and des Obersten.