List of admirals of Germany

Großadmirale


The rank of Großadmiral (Grand Admiral) was introduced in 1905 as the naval equivalent of a Generalfeldmarschall (General Field Marshall). Hans von Koester was the first German admiral to hold this rank. Wilhelm II. would wear the uniform of a Großadmiral on occasions. Since as Emperor he was Commander-in-Chief of the Navy and thus not subject to promotions.

Admirale


The rank of Admiral was the highest rank until the rank of Großadmiral was introduced in 1905. Prince Adalbert of Prussia was the first and only admiral of the Prussian Navy and later the Navy of the North German Confederation. The rank was not used in the Imperial German Navy until 1892. In the Reichsmarine Admiral was again the highest of three flag officer ranks. With the creation of the Kriegsmarine and the expansion of the fleet a new rank, Generaladmiral, was introduced in 1936, followed by the rank of Großadmiral in 1939. Thus the rank of Admiral became the third-lowest, roughly equivalent of a general in the Heer or Luftwaffe. When the Bundeswehr was formed in 1955 Admiral became the highest rank again. The Volksmarine of the National People's Army of the German Democratic Republic used ranks similar to those in the Soviet Navy. While technically there was a rank of Flottenadmiral (Fleet Admiral), Admiral was the highest rank any naval officer achieved.

Vizeadmirale


Vizeadmiral was a flag officer rank introduced in the Prussian Navy in 1858 and used subsequently in all other German navies.

Konteradmirale
Konteradmiral (Counter Admiral) has been a flag officer rank in the naval forces of Germany since 1849.

Flottillenadmirale
The rank of Flottillenadmiral (Flotilla Admiral) was newly established in 1955 as the naval equivalent to Brigadegeneral. The rank roughly corresponds to the position of Kommodore in earlier German naval forces.