Abt. Branch, section. The hull of the Bismarck was divided in 22 sections ( Abteilungen) numbered I-XXII from stern to bow.

Detachment or battalion

Abteilung (shortened Abt) is a German language word often used when referring to German or Swiss military formations (although the German uses the term in a more civilian fashion, e.g. Abteilung = office department).