German submarine U-538 was a Type IXC/40 U-boat of the Nazi German Kriegsmarine during World War II. She was laid down at the Deutsche Werft (yard) in Hamburg as 'werk' 356 on 18 April 1942, launched on 20 August and commissioned on 10 February 1943 with Kapitänleutnant Johann-Egbert Gosseler in command. U-538 began her service career with training as part of the 4th U-boat Flotilla from 10 February 1943. She was re-assigned to the 2nd flotilla for operations on 1 November. She carried out one patrol and did not sink any ships. She was a member of one wolfpack.