Ceremonial oath of the Bundeswehr

Cadets of the German navy in formation for their ceremonial pledge in front of the German naval academy (Marineschule Mürwik)

There are two types of soldiers serving in the Bundeswehr (Federal Defence Forces): 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

Soldiers speaking the pledge for conscripted personnel

Conscripts' pledge:

"Ich gelobe, der Bundesrepublik Deutschland treu zu dienen, und das Recht und die Freiheit des deutschen Volkes tapfer zu verteidigen."

Translation:

"I pledge to loyally serve the Federal Republic of Germany and to courageously defend the right and the liberty of the German people."

Any conscripted soldier is allowed to deny taking the pledge. In this case, however, he will forfeit any chance of promotion during his service (this refusal is not to be mistaken for the conscientious objection to military service, which allows German conscripts to render a social alternative service).

Professional soldiers and Soldiers for a Time

Oath for other enlisted personnel, non-commissioned officers and officers serving for at least two years (Soldiers For a Time) or for lifetime (professional soldiers):

"Ich schwöre, der Bundesrepublik Deutschland treu zu dienen, und das Recht und die Freiheit des deutschen Volkes tapfer zu verteidigen, so wahr mir Gott helfe."

Translation:

"I swear to faithfully serve the German Federal Republic, and to bravely defend the right and freedom of the German people, so help me God."

The religious adjunct used with the oath is optional, the replacing of "ich gelobe" (I pledge) with "ich schwöre" (I swear) is not.