Philipp Lahm has been confirmed as Germany's new captain, although he will not be leading the team out for their friendly international against Hungary on Saturday.
The Bayern Munich full-back will wear the captain's armband in South Africa due to the injury-enforced withdrawal of Michael Ballack while Bastian Schweinsteiger has been named as vice-captain.
"I think both players have an important role and will take on lots of responsibility," said Germany coach Joachim Low. "Both have played a really good season with Bayern Munich and, in the past few years with the national team, they have played a very important role."
He added: "Their performances with Bayern this season have confirmed that they are capable of taking on responsibility."
Although Lahm will wear the captain's armband, Low expects Schweinsteiger to be more at the centre of the action, purely due to his position on the field.
He therefore is a more natural successor to Ballack.
"Schweinsteiger should take the role of Michael Ballack," he said.
"He has a similar way of playing and can take Ballack's role. He is an emotional leader, a motor for our team and always pushes the team from midfield."
Source: PA
