Jägers

Jägers is the plural form of Jäger, a German noun meaning hunter. In German, Jäger is used for a hunting practitioner as well as for military light infantry and, in some cases, as a surname. In English-language contexts, Jägers often refers to specific light infantry units in German-speaking armies or to people who bear the surname Jägers.

Historically, Jäger denoted light infantry trained for skirmishing, reconnaissance, and rapid movement, typically operating in looser formations than line infantry. During the 18th to early 20th centuries, many German and Austrian forces organized Jäger units under various designations, including Jäger battalions and Jäger regiments. In World War II, there were dedicated Jäger divisions that emphasized mobility, marksmanship, and operations in difficult terrain.

In the postwar period, the modern German Army (Bundeswehr) retained Jäger as a branch designation for light infantry. Jägers units are expected to be highly mobile, capable of rapid deployment, and effective in wooded or mountainous terrain, often serving alongside mechanized and armored formations.

Beyond the military, Jägers can be a surname, and the term appears in popular culture and branding. The name Jäger is also associated with the brand Jägermeister, whose name translates roughly to Master Hunter.

See also: Hunter (Jäger), Jäger divisions and formations in German and Austrian history, Jäger infantry.