Oberstleutnant

Current German Army Oberstleutnant shoulder insignia

Oberstleutnant is a German Army and German Air Force rank equal to Lieutenant Colonel, above Major, and below Oberst.

There are two paygrade associated to the rank of Oberstleutnant. Paygrade A14 is the standard level paygrade whereas A15 is assigned to senior Oberstleutnant personnel.

Oberstleutnant of the General Staff or Reserve have the words "im Generalstabsdienst" (i.G.), "der Reserve" (d.R.) after their rank—thus: "OTL i.G.", "OTL d.R."

Oberstleutnant who are definitely retired are described as "außer Dienst" (a.D.)

During World War II, the SS maintained an equivalent rank known as Obersturmbannführer.