Hauptman Plural

[ChrisMAg2]

Nower days, according to the reformed (Seigh!/ Seufz!) german language, it is ok to say: General -> Generäle, Admiral -> Admiräle.
But before, I think until mid/ late 1980s, it was: Generale and Admirale, both without "Umlaut"!
Regards

[reichsautobahn]

In the old orthography, "Generale" was the normal standard plural form, "Generäle" was also admitted as a second, though not standard form.

There are also more terms of profession where sing. -mann becomes plural -leute, e. g. Kaufmann, Kaufleute.

[Polynikes]

Another things that's always interested me, it appears that there's no German word for "sir".

So if you're a private in the German army (of any period) and a Hauptmann or General tells you to do something, you just say:

"Jowolh herr Hauptmann/General"

In the SS you dropped the "herr"?

Is this also true of the navy?

[nondescript handle]

Another things that's always interested me, it appears that there's no German word for "sir".

Well, using 'Sie' and 'Herr rank/family name' is the equivalent to call someone 'Sir'.
'Herr' has the meaning of Mister, Gentleman and Lord all rolled into one

"Jowolh herr Hauptmann/General"

Actually: 'Jawohl Herr Hauptmann!'

In the SS you dropped the "herr"?

Yes.

Is this also true of the navy?

No.

Regards
Mark

[agibaer]

In the old orthography, "Generale" was the normal standard plural form, "Generäle" was also admitted as a second, though not standard form.

There are also more terms of profession where sing. -mann becomes plural -leute, e. g. Kaufmann, Kaufleute.

I'm just reading Hess' letters from imprisonment, published in 1952 by his wife (pretty interesting book) and he uses "Generäle".

regards
robert