[1] Via the Dutch language, the word became a nautical term and described the assistant to a deck officer.

Since the second half of the 17th century Maate were the lowest class of non-commissioned officers aboard a warship.

With the math rank, soldiers were signed on to a contract following completion of basic training.

[4] Maate were recruited among conscripts who volunteered to serve for a minimum of six years.

Re-enlistment was common but in most specialities the career options would end with achieving the rank of Obermaat; only after 18 years in service was a promotion as supernumary Vizefeldwebel possible, and only if there was a billet open.