The History of Splittertarn and Buntfarbenaufdruck 31

Published by the CAMO HQ Camouflage Encyclopedia

German Splittermuster, often referred to by collectors as Splittertarn, is one of the most important camouflage patterns in military history. Officially introduced as Buntfarbenaufdruck 31, this sharp-edged splinter camouflage became one of Germany’s most recognizable camouflage designs of World War II and helped shape the development of military camouflage for decades to come.

With its angular green and brown shapes, light background, and distinctive vertical “rain” streaks, Splittermuster was designed to break up the outline of soldiers and equipment in European woodland, field, and broken terrain. Today, it remains one of the most studied and collected camouflage patterns of the Second World War.

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What Is Splittermuster?

Splittermuster means “splinter pattern” in German. The term describes the pattern’s hard-edged geometric shapes, which resemble broken shards or splinters layered across the fabric.

The official designation for the original pattern was Buntfarbenaufdruck 31, meaning “colorful print 31.” It was first introduced in the early 1930s and became widely associated with German military shelter halves, smocks, helmet covers, and specialized field garments during World War II.

The term Splittertarn is also widely used today. While not the original formal designation, it has become a common collector and reenactor term meaning “splinter camouflage.” For CAMO HQ, we use Splittermuster as the historically accurate primary name while also recognizing Splittertarn as a widely used alternate name.

Origins and Development

Splittermuster was developed during the interwar period as European militaries began exploring printed camouflage for field equipment and uniforms. Germany introduced Buntfarbenaufdruck 31 in 1931, initially applying the pattern to the triangular Zeltbahn shelter quarter, which could be used as a poncho, groundsheet, camouflage cover, or combined with others to form a tent.

The pattern was designed to provide concealment across the forests, fields, and mixed terrain of Central Europe. Its disruptive shapes helped break up the human silhouette, while the rain-like overprint added vertical texture that improved concealment among grass, branches, and shadows.

Pattern Characteristics

Classic Splittermuster uses a distinctive combination of angular color blocks and fine vertical streaks.

• Base color: Light tan or gray-green background
• Primary shapes: Angular green and reddish-brown splinter forms
• Overlay: Thin vertical rain streaks
• Environment: Woodland, fields, grassland, and broken terrain
• Pattern type: Geometric splinter camouflage

Unlike later camouflage patterns that used organic brushstrokes or rounded leaf shapes, Splittermuster relied on hard-edged disruption. This made it visually distinctive and highly influential in the development of later military camouflage.

Military Use During World War II

During World War II, Splittermuster appeared on a wide range of German military equipment and clothing. It was especially common on Zeltbahn shelter quarters, but it was also used on smocks, helmet covers, ammunition bandoliers, and specialized garments.

The pattern became closely associated with the Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe, including airborne and field units. Luftwaffe paratroopers, known as Fallschirmjäger, used related splinter-pattern garments that became highly recognizable in wartime photographs and are now prized by collectors.

Splittermuster vs. Splittertarn

The terms Splittermuster and Splittertarn are often used interchangeably, but there is a useful distinction:

• Buntfarbenaufdruck 31: Official original designation
• Splittermuster: Historically accurate descriptive name meaning “splinter pattern”
• Splittertarn: Common modern nickname meaning “splinter camouflage”

For historical accuracy, Splittermuster is the best primary term. For search and collector recognition, Splittertarn remains important and is commonly used in military surplus, reenactment, and camouflage collecting communities.

Influence and Legacy

Splittermuster became one of the most influential camouflage patterns of the twentieth century. Its combination of angular disruptive shapes and rain streaks inspired later designs throughout Europe, particularly among Cold War-era militaries.

Post-war patterns such as East German Strichtarn, Polish splinter designs, and other European rain and splinter patterns all show the influence of earlier German camouflage concepts. Even today, the visual language of Splittermuster remains instantly recognizable to collectors, historians, and camouflage enthusiasts.

Quick Facts

• Primary Name: German Splittermuster
• Also Known As: Splittertarn
• Official Designation: Buntfarbenaufdruck 31
• Country of Origin: Germany
• Introduced: 1931
• Historical Era: World War II
• Pattern Family: Splinter camouflage
• Primary Environment: Woodland, fields, and mixed European terrain
• Primary Users: Wehrmacht, Luftwaffe, Fallschirmjäger, and German field units

Splittermuster at CAMO HQ

At CAMO HQ, we preserve the history and heritage of camouflage by bringing important patterns like German Splittermuster to modern apparel, accessories, and gear. Our Splittermuster-inspired products honor one of the most historically significant camouflage designs ever created while making its legacy accessible to collectors, historians, veterans, reenactors, and camouflage enthusiasts.

Whether you know it as Splittermuster, Splittertarn, or Buntfarbenaufdruck 31, this pattern remains one of the defining camouflage designs of World War II and a cornerstone in the history of military concealment.