Unterleutnant (NPA-original abbreviation Ultn.; en: translation "Under-lieutenant" or "sub-lieutenant") was an officer rank of the armies of East Germany and other nations. The rank was first introduced in 1662–74 by France and was also adopted by some other countries' armed forces. In the East German National People's Army from 1956 to 1990, Unterleutnant was the lowest commissioned officer rank. It belonged to the rank group of lieutenants or subaltern officers. The equivalent rank of the Volksmarine was Unterleutnant zur See (en: "sub-lieutenant at sea").
