Feldmustern

Feldmustern is a German term referring to a type of camouflage pattern used by the German military. The most well-known and iconic Feldmustern pattern is the "Splittermuster" or splinter pattern, which was introduced in the 1930s and saw widespread use during World War II. This pattern consists of irregular, sharp-edged shapes in varying shades of green, brown, and tan, designed to break up the silhouette of a soldier or vehicle against natural backgrounds.

The Splittermuster was applied to a range of military equipment, including uniforms, helmets, tents, and vehicle coverings. Its effectiveness was attributed to its abstract design, which made it difficult for the eye to discern a clear outline, especially at a distance or in cluttered environments. Over time, variations of the splinter pattern were developed, with different color combinations and arrangements of the shapes to adapt to various operational theaters and seasons.

Beyond Splittermuster, the term Feldmustern can encompass other German camouflage patterns used throughout history. However, the visual association is strongly linked to the World War II era splinter designs. The principles behind Feldmustern, such as disrupting outlines and blending with surroundings, have influenced camouflage development in many other countries and continue to be relevant in modern military applications.