Literally "Non-commissioned officer without Swordknot", this is the designation for German junior non-commissioned officers (NCOs) in the German army. The name derives from earlier traditions in which german Senior NCOs (Feldwebels) would carry the officer's sidearms (sword, sabre) with the officer's swordknot (made from silver- or goldlace). A non-commissioned officer (sometimes noncommissioned officer), also known as an NCO or noncom, is a non-commissioned member of an armed force who has been given authority by a commissioned officer. ... Feldwebel is a German military rank which has existed since at least the 18th century with usage as a title dating to the Middle Ages. ...

Ranks in this category:

• Unteroffizier
• Unterfeldwebel/Unterwachtmeister (since 1955: Stabsunteroffizier)

and equivalents of the Waffen SS. Unteroffizier insignia Unteroffizier is a military rank (non-commissioned officer) of the German Bundeswehr that has existed since the 19th century. ... Feldwebel is a German military rank which has existed since at least the 18th century with usage as a title dating to the Middle Ages. ...

Generally, german NCOs were, and are still in the Bundeswehr, identified by the use of metallic lace (called Tresse) on the collar of the uniform jacket, as well as the edges of the shoulder straps. The Bundeswehr (Federal Defense Force,  ) is the organization that controls and administers the armed forces of Germany. ...