German AFV Beastiary
2003-11-10
We English speaking peoples of the world
have a bit of a language problem - especially when it's not our own! Because
we speak one of the most widespread languages on the planet we often assume
it's the only language on the planet and whatever we say - and however we
say it - must be right! This can often lead to problems - and a fair bit
of confusion.
Take, for example, the city of Munchen - which we insist on calling Munich.
Its citizens can often be seen behind the wheel of a very famous sports
car - but do you call it a "porsh" or "porsh-eh".
Either way you're bound to infuriate someone. The same is true of all those
WWII German AFVs. For some reason many of the most famous vehicles were
named after animals. Whether this was a deliberate attempt by the Nazis
to confuse the allies is not known. Some 50 years on, however, ask a Englishman
to wrap his tonsils around the language and you'll soon see that it's still
having an effect!
This, then, is an attempt to put the record straight. Below you will find
a list of the most famous beasts complete with translations - both literal
and phonetic. Use them as you will.
| Designation |
Nick
Name |
Phonetic |
Translation |
| JgPz V |
Jagd Panther |
yakt panter |
Hunting Panther |
| PzJg VI |
Elefant |
eleh-fant |
Elephant |
| PzKpfw II |
Luchs |
luks |
Lynx |
| PzKpfw V |
Panther |
panter |
Panther |
| PzKpfw VI |
Tiger |
teegger |
Tiger |
| PzKpfw VI Ausf. B |
Konigstiger |
kerniks-teegger |
King Tiger |
| PzKpfw X |
Maus |
mows |
Mouse |
| RW61 |
Sturmtiger |
sterm-teegger |
Assault Tiger |
| SdKfz 132, 138, etc. |
Marder |
mar-der |
Marten |
| SdKfz 124 |
Wespe |
vesp-eh |
Wasp |
| SdKfz 164 |
Nashorn / Hornise |
naz-horn / horniss-eh |
Rhino / Hornet |
| SdKfz 165 |
Hummel |
hum-ell |
Bummble Bee |
| SdKfz 166 |
Brummbar |
brum-bar |
Grumbling (Bear) |
| SdKfz 234/3 |
Puma |
pooma |
Puma |
| SdKfz 138/1 |
Bison / Grille |
by-zon / grill-eh |
Bison / Cricket |
Although not named after an animal, no list would be complete without a
mention of what was arguably the most effective tank-destroyer of the war.
| JgPz 38(t) |
Hetzer |
het-sir |
Baiter |
This list is by no means complete. There are also a host of other vehicles
that may benefit from similar translations. If you would like to add your
own suggestions to this list or have an idea for another one, please drop
me a line.