There are two types of soldiers serving in the Bundeswehr (Federal Defence Forces): regular units and conscripts. Consequently, there are also two types of oaths. That for conscripts is a pledge, since the latter may be soldiers against their own will. The oath for regular units is an oath in the word's proper sense.
Conscripts' pledge:
Translation:
Alternative translation:
Any conscripted soldier is allowed to deny taking the pledge. In this case, however, he will forfeit any chance of promotion during his service (this refusal is not to be mistaken for the conscientious objection to military service, which allows German conscripts to render a social alternative service).
Oath for other enlisted personnel, non-commissioned officers and officers serving for a perennial period or for lifetime:
Translation:
The religious adjunct used with the oath is optional.