German submarine U-543 was a Type IXC U-boat of the Nazi German Kriegsmarine during World War II. She was laid down at the Deutsche Werft (yard) in Hamburg as 'werk' 364 on 3 July 1942, launched on 3 February and commissioned on 21 April with Kapitänleutnant Hans-Jürgen Hellriegel in command. U-543 began her service career with training as part of the 4th U-boat Flotilla from 21 April 1943. She was re-assigned to the 10th flotilla for operations on 1 November. She carried out two patrols, but did not sink any ships. She was a member of three wolfpacks.