Scharführer
| Scharfuhrer | |
|---|---|
Gorget patch | |
| Shoulder and camo insignia | |
| Country | Nazi Germany |
| Service branch | Schutzstaffel Sturmabteilung National Socialist Motor Corps National Socialist Flyers Corps |
| Abbreviation | Scharf |
| Formation | 1921 |
| Abolished | 1945 |
| Next higher rank | Oberscharführer |
| Next lower rank | Unterscharführer |
| Equivalent ranks | Unterfeldwebel |
Scharführer ([ˈʃaːɐ̯fyːʁɐ], lit. 'Squad leader') was a title or rank used in early 20th century German military terminology. In German, Schar was one term for the smallest sub-unit, equivalent to (for example) a "troop", "squad", or "section". The word führer simply meant "leader".
The term Scharführer can be traced to World War I, when it was referred to a NCO in charge of several shock troopers, or other special forces soldiers.
It was, however, used far more widely by Nazi Party paramilitary organizations, such as the Schutzstaffel, National Socialist Flyers' Corps, National Socialist Motor Corps, and the Sturmabteilung, between 1925 and 1945 and became strongly associated with them.