[citation needed][dubious – discuss] To be a general often implied membership in the noble class.

Later, another special grade known as Generaloberst im Range eines Generalfeldmarschalls (supreme general in the rank of a field marshal) was first used in Bavaria to denote supreme generals who were given the authority of field marshals without the actual rank.

[citation needed] The rank of Generalfeldmarschall displayed a crossed set of marshal's batons on the shoulder board.

[citation needed] The grade of "supreme general in the rank of a field marshal" (Generaloberst im Range eines Generalfeldmarschalls) was introduced in the Prussian/Imperial army in 1871.

In the Prussian army, the rank of field marshal could be awarded only to active officers in wartime if they had won a battle or stormed a fortress.

[citation needed] The German rank of General saw its widest usage during World War II.

Due to the massive expansion of the German armed forces (Wehrmacht), a new “wave” of generals was promoted in the 1930s that would lead Germany into war.

The shoulder insignia was identical to that used by the army, with the addition of special collar patches worn by Luftwaffe general officers.

Prior to the reunification of Germany, general officer rank designations in the German Democratic Republic were based on the Soviet model.

Generalmajor was still the lowest general officer grade, followed by Generalleutnant, Generaloberst (now three stars instead of four) and Armeegeneral.