Führer
The German word Führer means leader or guide. It appears in compound words like Heerführer, which translates to military leader. Scandinavian languages share cognates with this term. Danish and Norwegian spell the word as fører. In Norway, the title for mayor is ordfører, literally meaning word leader. Swedish uses the same root for corporate boards or heads of official gatherings. The English translation often refers to a vehicle operator when used alone. This linguistic connection spans from northern Europe to central Germany. Historical usage shows the word existed long before its political infamy.
German military forces employed the term since at least the 18th century. A company-sized subunit commander lacking permanent qualifications held the title Kompanieführer. The commanding officer of a full company was titled Kompaniechef instead. Temporary assignments or lack of experience triggered the use of Führer in operational commands. Mission-type tactics relied on formation titles followed by the designation Führer. Lower levels of command also utilized the term regardless of experience. This military tradition established the word's functional role within the army structure. Operational echelons adopted the terminology for specific tactical purposes.
Georg Ritter von Schönerer popularized the political use of Führer between 1842 and 1921. His Pan-German Association followers referred to him with this title. He introduced the Roman salute known as the German greeting. Historian Richard J. Evans suggests this usage reached the German far-right through Schönerer. Italian Fascist leader Benito Mussolini influenced Nazi adoption with his own informal title Il Duce. Adolf Hitler received the party chairmanship with dictatorial powers in 1921. Party founder Anton Drexler had planned a merger that Hitler opposed. Hitler resigned from the party before demanding the leadership position back. The Executive Committee acquiesced to his demands under these conditions.
Hitler became Chancellor of the Reich in January 1933 following appointment by President Paul von Hindenburg. The Centre Party MPs voted with the Nazi Party to pass the Enabling Act one month later. This act allowed the cabinet to promulgate laws by decree without checks and balances. One day before Hindenburg died, Hitler decreed the Law Concerning the Head of State of the German Reich. The law merged the offices of Reichspräsident and Reichskanzler upon the president's death. Hitler assumed presidential powers without holding the office itself out of respect for Hindenburg. A referendum approved this change on August 19th. The title Führer und Reichskanzler appeared in official documents after the 28th of July 1942 as Leader and Chancellor of the Greater German Reich.
The Weimar Constitution designated the President as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Hitler created the post of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces when conscription returned in 1935. Field Marshal Werner von Blomberg held this position while Hitler remained Supreme Commander. Soldiers swore allegiance to Hitler as Leader of the German Reich and Nation. The Blomberg, Fritsch affair occurred in 1938 leading to Hitler assuming the commander-in-chief post. He retained the older formally higher title of Supreme Commander with new meaning. The style Führer and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces was used until May 1942. After that date, a simple Führer sufficed for military contexts. His political testament referred to himself as Leader of the Nation.
Hitler declared himself Germanic Führer on the 23rd of June 1941. This addition emphasized leadership over what Nazis described as the Nordic-Germanic master race. The ideology included Norwegians, Danes, Swedes, Dutch, and other peoples alongside Germans. Intent existed to annex these countries into the Greater Germanic Reich. Waffen-SS formations from these nations had to declare obedience by addressing him accordingly. Anton Mussert addressed Hitler as such during a visit to Berlin on the 12th of December 1941. Historian Loe de Jong speculates on differences between titles implying separate positions versus attributes. Propaganda publications continued referring to him by this unofficial title as late as 1944. One Nazi slogan stated One People One Empire One Leader repeatedly across posters and broadcasts.
Regional Nazi Party leaders held the title Gauleiter meaning leader. Almost every paramilitary organization incorporated the title Führer into their ranks. The SS and SA used the term for members above the lowest rank. A specific grade of general also carried the official rank title Führer. The word functioned generically to refer to any commander or leader of troops. NCOs and officers at many command levels utilized the designation. Subordinates interpreted vague orders beneficially to their own interests. This created power wrangles that aided Hitler in maintaining absolute rule. Thousands of decrees were issued based explicitly on the Reichstag Fire Decree. Extensions of the Enabling Act occurred in 1937, 1939, and indefinitely in 1943.
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Common questions
What does the German word Führer mean in English?
The German word Führer means leader or guide. It appears in compound words like Heerführer which translates to military leader.
When did Georg Ritter von Schönerer popularize the political use of Führer between 1842 and 1921?
Georg Ritter von Schönerer popularized the political use of Führer between 1842 and 1921. His Pan-German Association followers referred to him with this title.
On what date did Hitler become Chancellor of the Reich following appointment by President Paul von Hindenburg?
Hitler became Chancellor of the Reich in January 1933 following appointment by President Paul von Hindenburg. The Centre Party MPs voted with the Nazi Party to pass the Enabling Act one month later.
Until when was the style Führer and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces used until May 1942?
The style Führer and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces was used until May 1942. After that date a simple Führer sufficed for military contexts.
What happened on the 23rd of June 1941 when Hitler declared himself Germanic Führer?
Hitler declared himself Germanic Führer on the 23rd of June 1941. This addition emphasized leadership over what Nazis described as the Nordic-Germanic master race.