The rank also exists in a few other European military organizations, often with historical ties to the German system.

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 that have completed their reserve officer course 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).

Fähnrich, short Fhr, is the lowest commissioned officer rank in the Austrian Armed Forces.

In 1609, Christian IV of Denmark created a permanent organization with regiments of the Royal Danish Army.

[4][5] A Fähnrich of the Bundeswehr is a soldier who serves in the ranks, first as Fahnenjunker (OR-5, comparable to the junior non-commissioned officer rank Unteroffizier), then in subsequent grades: Fähnrich (OR-6, equivalent to Feldwebel), and Oberfähnrich (OR-7 equivalent to Hauptfeldwebel).

An officer candidate's career is indicated by the enlisted rank with a thin silver cord on the shoulder strap.