(German
panzer, "armoured") Self-contained
military unit of the German army, built around the capabilities of
armoured vehicles. In World War II, it consisted of a tank brigade with four battalions; a motorized infantry brigade with four rifle battalions; an artillery regiment; and reconnaissance, antitank, and military-engineering battalions and service units. Germany had six panzer divisions in 1939 and 20 by 1941. It remains the principal offensive element of the German army.
For more information on panzer division, visit Britannica.com.