Gefreiter

lance corporal (Bundeswehr)

noun geh-FREYE-ter Rare

Usage Note

Gefreiter is the first rank above private (Soldat) in the Bundeswehr, awarded after basic training. The name comes from being 'freed' (freigestellt) from certain fatigues — a tradition going back centuries.

Examples

"Nach drei Monaten wurde er zum Gefreiten befördert."

Natural Translation

After three months he was promoted to lance corporal.

Literal Translation

After three months was he to lance-corporal promoted.

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