Ceremonial oath of the Bundeswehr

There were originally two types of soldiers serving in the Bundeswehr (Federal Defence): regular units and conscripts.

Conscripts recited a pledge, since their service was compulsory and not unconditionally voluntary.

Regular soldiers recited an oath in its true sense.

This refusal does not constitute conscientious objection to military service, since German conscripts are also allowed to render alternative social service in its place.

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