Fähnrich (German pronunciation: [ˈfɛːnʁɪç]) is an officer candidate rank in the Austrian Bundesheer and German Bundeswehr. The word Fähnrich comes from an older German military title, Fahnenträger (flag bearer), and first became a distinct military rank in Germany on 1 January 1899. However, Fähnrich ranks are often incorrectly compared with the rank of ensign,^{[citation needed]} which shares a similar etymology but is a full-fledged (albeit junior) commissioned officer rank.

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In the German Landsknecht armies, recorded from ca. 1480, the equivalent rank of a Cornet existed. The cornet carried the troop standard, also known as a "cornet".

The rank also exists in a few other European military organizations, often with historical ties to the German system. Examples are the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland (see Fänrik). The French Army has a similar position called an Aspirant.

In the Finnish Army and Air Force, Vänrikki (Fänrik) is the lowest commissioned officer rank, which is granted to the soldiers in the national service on the day they are released from their 347-day service. Finnish Vänrikki are thus of equal rank to the German lieutenant (also a platoon leader).

In 1609, Christian IV of Denmark created a permanent organization with regiments of the Royal Danish Army. A regiment would be assigned one ritmester, one løjtnant, one fænrik, and two korporals.^[2]

By 1717, the ranks of Fendrich and Cornet of the Royal Life Guards were placed in the Eight class in the Danish order of precedence, normal Fendrichs and Cornets were placed in the Ninth class.^[3]

Between 1951 and 1970, Fenrik and Overfenrik were part of Fenriksgruppen, which served as Warrant officers.^[4][5]

In the Norwegian Armed Forces, the rank of Fenrik is the lowest ranking commissioned officer,^[6] with the NATO code of OF-1.^[7]

• Rank insignia for Fenrik
• Army^[6]
• Navy^[6]
• Air Force^[6]

• Fähnrich zur See