Obersturmbannführer ([ˈoːbɐ.ʃtʊʁm.ban.fyːʀɐ], lit. "senior assault unit leader") was a paramilitary German Nazi Party (NSDAP) rank used by both the SA and the SS. It was created in May 1933 to fill the need for an additional rank above Sturmbannführer as the SA expanded.