Origin of SS rank names?

[troopie]

What is the origin of the SS rank names? I once read they were Landsknecht ranks, but there are so many I'm not so sure.

Dankie,

troopie

[FunkyMonkey]

This is the ranking system I think that it uses.

Reichsfuhrer-SS
SS-Oberstgruppen-fuhrer
SS-Obergruppenfuhrer
SS-Gruppenfuhrer
SS-Brigadefuhrer
SS-Oberfuhrer
SS-Standartenfuhrer
SS-Obersturmbann-fuhrer
SS-Sturmbannfuhrer
SS-Hauptsturmfuhrer
SS-Obsersturmfuhrer
SS-Untersturmfuhrer
SS-Sturmscharfuhrer
SS-Hauptscharfuhrer
SS-Oberscharfuhrer
SS-Scharfuhrer
SS-Unterscharfuhrer
SS-Rottenfuhrer
SS-Sturmmann
SS-Oberschutze
SS-Schutze

[Rune Iversen]

The SS (Schutzs-staffel)grew out of the SA (Sturm-abteilung). Therefore the SS rank system is based upon the rank system of the SA with the exception that members of the SS had the prefix "SS" in front of their rank (ei "Sturmmann" would be an SA rank while "SS-Sturmmann would be the equivalent SS-rank). Though the two organisations nominally used the same rank-system, it was only until 1934 that the ranks were interchangeable between the two organisations. After the Röhm Purge the two organisations became truly independent of each other.

[FunkyMonkey]

Look at the rank of SS-Rottenfuhrer... I find that quite amusing...

[frank1970]

You would find it more amusing, when you are German:
A "Rotte" is a bunch of wild boar!

[Stirling]

Well, Rotte actually means pack. Just like in Eine Rotte Wölfe.
Greetz

[frank1970]

Rudel means actually pack, wulfes live in Rudel.

[Stirling]

@Frank

[Stirling]

@Frank:
Actually you are right: It is a Rudel Wölfe. Rotte is used in a much more negative way...but also for wolves!

Greetz,
Stirling