What was considered "elite" in World War II was different from what we call elite today.
Special forces, like the "Brandenburger" regiment or "Meereskämpfer," weren't really seen as elite back then. They trained for special jobs other units couldn't do, but that didn't mean they were the best fighters. The Brandenburger unit often did more spy work than fighting, and the Meereskämpfer unit didn't have much combat experience.
The real elite of the German army were their infantry, especially the Fallschirmjäger (paratroopers) and Gebirgsjäger (mountain troops). German military thinking at the time was:
Infantry units do the hardest fighting and suffer the most losses. So, they deserve the most honor and respect.
After the infantry came the armored (tank) units of the Army and Waffen-SS. The "Schwere Panzerabteilungen" (Heavy tank battalions) had a great reputation. They had the newest German tanks like the Tiger, Königstiger, and Panther, and they also got the best soldiers. A good gunner or commander in a tank division would soon join one of these heavy tank battalions. Having the best equipment and the best soldiers made them truly elite.
Other units considered elite were the Panzeraufklärer (armored reconnaissance). These lightly armored units came from the light cavalry units of the Prussian Empire, where they were the absolute elite. Their team spirit was always excellent. During WWII, German armored reconnaissance units had one of the most dangerous jobs. They were often the first units to fight the enemy.
Being considered elite also depends on how you see yourself. Even in today's German army, the soldiers of the Aufklärungstruppe (reconnaissance troops) are very proud and believe they are the best unit in the army.
