Ceremonial oath of the Bundeswehr


There are two types of soldiers serving in the Bundeswehr : regular units and conscripts. Consequently, there are also two types of oaths. That for conscripts is a pledge, since the latter may bind soldiers against their own will. The oath for regular units is an oath in the word's proper sense.

Conscripted personnel

Conscripts' pledge:
Translation:
Alternative translation:
Any conscripted soldier is allowed to deny taking the pledge. In this case, however, he will forfeit any chance of promotion during his service.

Professional soldiers and Soldiers for a Time

Oath for other enlisted personnel, non-commissioned officers and officers serving for a period of more two years and above or for lifetime :
Translation:
The religious adjunct used with the oath is optional, the replacing of "ich gelobe" with "ich schwöre" is not.