Hauptmann

captain

noun HOWPT-mahn Rare

Also means

company commander (army rank)

Usage Note

Hauptmann is the army and air force equivalent of captain, commanding a Kompanie (company). Not to be confused with naval Kapitän. The word literally means 'head man' and is sometimes used figuratively for any decisive leader.

Examples

"Der Hauptmann befahl seiner Kompanie, die Stellung zu halten."

Natural Translation

The captain ordered his company to hold the position.

Literal Translation

The captain commanded his company, the position to hold.

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