List of German field marshals


Field marshal was the highest military rank in the German Empire and, after 1918, Germany, for seventy-five years. Although the rank had existed in northern German states since 1631 under a different name, it was re-created in 1870 for Prince Friedrich Karl of Prussia and Emperor Frederick III for the purpose of making them senior to other generals. It became the most prestigious and powerful rank an officer could reach until it was abolished in 1945. For field marshals of southern German states, who often served the Austrian Empire prior to the unification of Germany in 1871, see list of Austrian field marshals.
In total more than 100 generals became field marshals in northern German states or the subsequent unified Germany between 1806 and 1945. The vast majority of the people promoted to field marshal won major battles in wars of their century. Field marshals played a compelling and influential role in military matters, were tax-exempt, members of the nobility, equal to government officials, under constant protection or escort, and had the right to directly report to the royal family.

Electorate (1356-1806) and Kingdom of Saxony (1806–1918)

Brandenburg-Prussia and the Kingdom of Prussia (1701–1870)

German Empire (1871–1918)

Weimar Republic (1918–33)

After the loss of the First World War, Germany was transformed into what became known as the Weimar Republic, which was established according to rules formulated under the Treaty of Versailles. These required the reduction of the German Army to 100,000 men, a reduction of the German Navy, and the abolition of the German Air Force. As a result of the new military arrangements, there were no field marshals created during the Weimar Republic.

Nazi Germany (1933–45)