A Dienstmann (German: [ˈdiːnstˌman] plural: Dienstleute, German: [ˈdiːnstˌlɔɪ̯tə] or, in Austria, Dienstmänner, German: [ˈdiːnstˌmɛnɐ] ) was a medieval retainer or vassal and, later, a hired man, in German-speaking countries, particularly in Austria until the first half of the 20th century.