Gefreiter is the German word for Corporal and has existed as a military rank since at least the 18th century. Through its development, Gefreiter has expanded into several ranks, those being Obergefreiter, Stabsgefreiter, and Hauptgefreiter. The German Navy has also periodically maintained a rank known as Matrosengefreiter, translated as "Seaman Corporal", and equivalent to a Leading Seaman.

During World War I and World War II, Gefreiter was considered more to be a lance corporal, with the rank of full corporal known as Unteroffizier, ranking between an American sergeant and corporal and approximately equivalent to a British corporal in responsibility.

One of the most famous holders of the rank of Gefreiter was Adolf Hitler, who held the rank in the Bavarian Infantry during World War I.