Ceremonial oath of the Bundeswehr

There are two types of soldiers serving in the Bundeswehr (Federal Defence), regular units and conscripts. Conscription currently lasts 9 months. Thus there are two types of oaths, the one for conscripts, is only a solemn vow, since conscripts are possibly involuntarily soldiers. The oath for regular soldiers is sworn.

For conscripts:

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

Translation:

"I vow to faithfully serve the Federal Republic of Germany and to bravely defend the right and the freedom of the German people."

For other enlisted personnel, non-commissioned officers and officers (serving for a longer period of time or for lifetime):

"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 Federal Republic of Germany and to bravely defend the right and the freedom of the German people, so help me God."

In spite of the fact that the religious affirmation ("so help me God") is a legal part of the oath, it is allowed to swear the oath without it.

Unlike the oath, the solemn vow contains no religious affirmation.