Within Deutsche Luftwaffe a Staffel is the smallest unit that is able to operate on its own.
NATO doctrine recognizes this Staffel as a level of command unique to Germany.
Three or four Staffeln comprised a Gruppe, while a single Staffel was divided into two or three operational Schwärme (singular: Schwarm), consisting of four to six aircraft.
Relative to the opposing Allied air forces, a full-strength Staffel was usually smaller than a full-strength squadron (at least 12 aircraft) and larger than a flight (usually four to six aircraft).
In 1940, during the Battle of Britain, the difference in numbers – between a standard Luftwaffe fighter Staffel and a standard RAF Fighter Command squadron – led to mutual misunderstandings of their respective strengths; German leaders frequently underestimated the active strength of Fighter Command and British leaders frequently overestimated the strength of the Luftwaffe.