Crossword Genius

Firm married fellow to the German officer (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

commander

'officer' is the definition.
(I know that commander is a type of officer)

'firm married fellow to the german' is the wordplay.
'firm' becomes 'co' (a firm is a company).
'married' becomes 'm'.
'fellow' becomes 'man' (fellow can mean a man).
'to the german' becomes 'der' ('the' in German).
'co'+'m'+'man'+'der'='COMMANDER'

(Other definitions for commander that I've seen before include "Naval officer" , "Officer in charge of a military unit" , "The one who gives the orders" , "One hoping to be captain" , "Chief" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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