List of German flags
From The Right Wiki
(Redirected from Flags of Germany)
This list of German flags details flags and standards that have been or are currently used by Germany between 1848 and the present.
National flags
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of Germany.svg | 1949–present | National and merchant flag (Bundes- und Handelsflagge) | A tricolour, made of three equal horizontal bands coloured black (top), red, and gold (bottom). |
| File:Flag of Germany (state).svg | 1950–present | State flag and ensign (Bundesdienstflagge) and military flag (Kriegsflagge). This flag may only be used by federal government authorities. | variant of the coat of arms of Germany) in the centre. The flag was originally used 1921–1933 in the Weimar Republic. While identical in heraldic terms to the original Weimar era flag, the modern exact design is slightly simplified. |
| File:Flag of Germany (unoff).svg | National flag with coat of arms (Bundesflagge mit Bundeswappen). Unofficial version, the private use of which is not penalized. | ||
| File:Flag of Germany (Hanging).svg | 1997–present | Hanging national flag (Bannerflagge) | |
| File:Flag of Germany (Hanging state flag).svg | 1996–present | Hanging state flag |
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Standards
Presidential standard
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Imperial family standards
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Kaiserstandarte Version2.svg | 1871–1888 | German Emperor's Standard | |
| File:Kaiserstandarte.svg | 1888–1918 | German Emperor's Standard | |
| File:Kaiserinnenstandarte 1871.svg | 1871–1901 | Empress Augusta and Empress Victoria's Standard | |
| File:Kaiserinstandarte 1888.svg | 1888–1918 | Empress Augusta Viktoria's Standard | |
| File:Kronprinzenstandarte Version1.svg | 1871–1888 | Standard of the Crown Prince | |
| File:Kronprinzenstandarte Version2.svg | 1888–1918 | Standard of the Crown Prince | |
| File:Banner of Charles V as Holy Roman Emperor.svg | 1519–1556 | Another imperial banner of Charles V | A black double-headed eagle with an escutcheon of the coat of arms of Charles V on a yellow field. |
| File:Banner of the Holy Roman Emperor with Arms (1493-1556).svg | 1493–1556 | Banner of Maximilian I. Charles V continued using this banner. | A black double-headed eagle with the combined arms of Austria and Burgundy on a yellow field |
| File:Banner of the Holy Roman Emperor with Arms (1437-1493).svg | 1437–1493 | Banner of Emperor Frederick III | A black double-headed eagle with the coat of arms of Austria on a yellow field |
| File:Banner of the Holy Roman Emperor with haloes (1400-1806).svg | c. 1430-1806 | Banner of the Holy Roman Emperor and state flag of the HRE | A black double-headed eagle with haloes on a yellow field |
| File:Naval Jack of the German Confederation.svg | c. 1430–1806 | Another banner of the Holy Roman Emperor and state flag of the HRE | A black double-headed eagle without haloes on a yellow field |
| File:Königsbanner 14Jh.svg | 800–1401 | Banner of the Emperor of the Romans and of the King of Germany | An Imperial Eagle displayed with a halo sable armed and langued gules [1] |
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Other standards
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Royal Standard of the King of Prussia (1871–1918).svg | 1871–1918 | Royal Standard of the Emperor of Germany in Prussia (King of Prussia) | On a red field, an Iron Cross is shown. In the centre of the Iron Cross, the Imperial Eagle with a crown right on top of the eagle is shown. Around the eagle and crown, words spell the phrase: Gott mit uns, meaning: "God with us". |
| File:Royal Standard of the King of Prussia (1844–1871).svg | 1844–1871 | Old Royal Standard of the Emperor of Germany in Prussia (King of Prussia) | |
| File:Royal Standard of the Crown Prince of Prussia (1871–1892).svg | 1871–1892 | Royal Standard of the Crown Prince of Prussia | The same as the previous flag, but on a white field, instead of a red one. |
| File:Royal Standard of the King of Bavaria (1835–1914).svg | 1835–1918 | Royal Standard of the King of Bavaria | |
| File:Royal Standard of the Grand Duke of Hesse (1903–1918).svg | 1903–1918 | Royal Standard of the Grand Duke of Hesse | |
| File:Royal Standard of the Grand Duchess of Hesse (1903–1918).svg | 1903–1918 | Royal Standard of the Grand Duchess of Hesse | |
| File:Standard of the Prince of Reuss-Greiz.svg | ?–1918 | Princely standard of Prince Reuss of Greiz | |
| File:Standard of the Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.svg | ?–1918 | Standard of the Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha | Featured the flag of the British Royal Family until George V's decision to change the house into Windsor. |
| File:Princely standard of Schaumbourg-Lippe (1911-1918).svg | 1911-1918 | Princely standard of Schaumburg-Lippe | |
| File:Royal Standard of the United Kingdom (1816–1837).svg | 1816-1837 | Royal Standard of the Kingdom of Hanover | Flag of the King of Great Britain in Hannover until Queen Victoria. |
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Military
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Military and state flags
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of the Chancellor of Germany.svg | Standard of the chancellor of Germany | A square variant of the Bundesdienstflagge with red border. | |
| File:Flagge Generalinspekteur Bundeswehr.svg | 1957– | Standard of inspector general of the Bundeswehr | |
| File:Colour of Germany.svg | 1964– | Troop colour (Truppenfahne) of the Bundeswehr | A variant of the Kriegsflagge with aspect ratio of 1:1. |
| File:Flag of German post (1950-1994).svg | 1950–1994 | Flag of Deutsche Bundespost | |
| File:Flag of German post minister.svg | 1950–1994 | Flag of the minister of Deutsche Bundespost | |
| File:Flag of German post president.svg | 1950–1994 | Flag of the president of Deutsche Bundespost | A swallowtail variant of the postal flag |
| File:Flag of German post state secretary.svg | 1950–1994 | Flag of the state secretary of Deutsche Bundespost |
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Non-Governmental flags
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Kyffhäuser Fahne.svg | 1933–1943 | Flag of the Kyffhäuserbund | The red square with an iron cross and a Kyffhäuser Monument |
Civil ensign
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of Germany.svg | 1949–present | Merchant flag | A tricolour, made of three equal horizontal bands coloured black (top), red, and gold (bottom). |
| File:Flag of German Democratic Republic.svg | 1973–1990 | Merchant flag of German Democratic Republic (Handelsflagge) | Tricolour of black, red, and yellow (same as West German colours), but bears the coat of arms of East Germany, consisting of a compass and a hammer encircled with rye |
| File:Flag of East Germany - merchant 1959-1973.svg | 1959–1973 | Merchant flag of German Democratic Republic (Handelsflagge) | |
| File:Flag of Germany (1946-1949).svg | 1946–1950 | "C-Pennant" (C-Doppelstander) (provisional civil ensign) | Used during the Occupation Period to identify German ships according to international law. |
| File:Handelsflagge mit dem Eisernen Kreuz 1935.svg | 1935–1945 | Merchant flag of German Reich variant with the Iron Cross | |
| File:Flag of the NSDAP (1920–1945).svg | 1933–1935 | Merchant flag of German Reich (Handelsflagge) | A red field, with a white disc with a black swastika at a 45-degree angle. Disc and swastika are exactly in the centre.[citation needed] |
| File:Handelsflagge mit dem EK 1933-1935.svg | 1933–1935 | Merchant flag of German Reich variant with the Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz) | |
| File:National flag of Germany 1933-1935.svg | 1933–1935 | Merchant flag of German Reich (Handelsflagge) | Black, white, and red horizontal tricolour. Used in conjunction with the Parteiflagge. |
| File:Flag of Weimar Republic (merchant+cross).svg | 1921–1933 | Merchant flag of Weimar Republic variant with the Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz) | |
| File:Merchant flag of Germany (1919–1933).svg | 1919–1933 | Merchant flag of Weimar Republic (Handelsflagge) | |
| File:Flag of German Empire (merchant+cross).svg | 1896–1918 | Merchant flag variant with the Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz) | |
| File:Flag of the German Empire.svg | 1871–1918 | Merchant flag of German Empire (National- und Handelsflagge) | |
| File:Civil ensign of Mecklenburg-Schwerin.svg | ?–1918 | Merchant flag of Mecklenburg-Schwerin | |
| File:Merchant Ensign of Holstein-Gottorp (Lions sinister).svg | ?–1864 | Merchant flag of Duchy of Holstein | |
| File:Civil Ensign of Hannover (1801-1866).svg | 1816–1837 | Merchant flag of Kingdom of Hanover |
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German Scouting flags
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Solitüdefest (Flensburg-Mürwik Juni 2014), Bild 08.jpg | ?–present | Flag of German Association of Guides and Scouts | |
| 1965–present | Flag of Deutsche Pfadfinderschaft Sankt Georg | ||
| File:DPSG-Bundeslilie - bis 1965.png | 1931–1965 | Old flag of Deutsche Pfadfinderschaft Sankt Georg | |
| 1973–present | Flag of Verband Christlicher Pfadfinderinnen und Pfadfinder | White logo on a blue background. |
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Other youth organisations
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flagge der Freie Deutsche Jugend.svg | 1946–1989 | Flag of Free German Youth | |
| File:Flagge der Jungen Pioniere.svg File:Wimpel Junge Pioniere.svg |
1948–1990 | Flag and pennant of Ernst Thälmann Pioneer Organisation | |
| File:Flag with Odal rune.svg | 1955–1994 | Wiking-Jugend | |
| File:Flagge Deutsches Jungvolk.svg File:DJ Jungenschaftswimpel.svg |
1932–1945 | Flag and pennant of Deutsches Jungvolk | |
| File:Hitlerjugend Allgemeine Flagge.svg File:Flag of the Hitler Youth-Hitlerjugend (1926–1945) - Type 2.svg File:Stab der RJF Wimpel.svg |
1926–1945 | Flags and pennant of Hitlerjugend | |
| File:DJ früher Wimpel.svg File:HJ Wimpel Early version.svg File:HJ Wimpel Albrecht Dürer Schule Vorderseite.svg File:Arbeiterjugend Wimpel.svg |
1926–1935 | Pennants of Hitlerjugend | |
| File:Allgemeiner BDM und JM-Wimpel 1935.svg | 1935–1945 | Pennant of League of German Girls | |
| File:Flag of Die Falken.svg | 1904–present | Socialist Youth of Germany – Falcons |
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Sport flags
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Link to file | ?–present | Flag of German Canoeing Associationde | |
| File:German Olympic flag (1959-1968).svg | 1956, 1960 and 1964 | Flag of United Team of Germany at the Olympics | |
| File:Flagge GST.svg | 1952–1990 | Flag of Gesellschaft für Sport und Technik | |
| File:Flagge DTSB.svg | 1957–1990 | Flag of Deutscher Turn- und Sportbund | |
| File:Reichsbund für Leibesübungen.svg | 1936–1945 | Flag of Sports Office of the Third Reich | |
| File:Fahne Deutsche Jägerschaft 1933.svg | 1934–1945 | Flag of Deutsche Jägerschaft | |
| File:Flagge DRV.svg | 1930's–1945 | Flag of German Bicycle Union |
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Pennant for the German Bicycle Union (1930's–1945)
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Pennant for the German Car Club (?–1945)
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Pennant for the German Aeronautic Union (1933–1937)
Vexillology Associations flags
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of DGF.svg | 1995–present | Flag of the German Vexillological Association | |
| File:Flag of WVRI.svg | Flag of World Vexillological Research Institute |
Flags of German states
Flags of German districts
Flags of German municipalities
Most municipalities have unique flags. Like state flags, most of them are with either a bicolour or tricolour stipes with or without the emblem ("wappen").
Unofficial regional flags
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flagge Großherzogtum Baden (1891–1918).svg File:Flag of the Grand Duchy of Baden (1855–1891).svg |
1952–present | Flags of Baden | |
| File:Flagge franken.svg | 1990's–present | Flag of Franconia | |
| File:Flag of Frisia.svg | 2006–present | Flag of Frisia | |
| File:Flagge des Landesteils Mecklenburg.svg | 1952–present | Flag of Mecklenburg | |
| File:Banner of the Palatinate.svg | 1816–present | Flag of Palatinate | |
| File:Provinz Pommern flag.svg | 1945–present | Flag of Pomerania | |
| File:Flagge des Landschaftsverbandes Westfalen-Lippe.svg | ?–present | Flag of Westphalia | |
| File:Flagge Königreich Württemberg.svg | 1945–present | Flag of Württemberg |
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Political flags
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Religious flags
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Evang.svg | Flag of Evangelical Church in Germany | ||
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| File:Flag of the All-Germanic Heathens Front.svg | 1990s–2000s | Flag of Heathen Front | |
| File:Deutsche Christen Flagge.svg | 1932–1945 | Flag of German Christians (movement) | |
| File:Flag of the Order of New Templars.svg | 1900–c.1938 | Flag of Order of the New Templars | Golden background as a symbol of eternity, lilies as a symbol of (racial) purity, and the red swastika as a symbol of growing arioheroism. |
| File:Kirchenwimpel.svg | 1871–1918 | Old Church pennant | |
Ethnic groups flags
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of East Frisia.svg | 1989–present | Flag of East Frisians | |
| File:Nordfriesischeflagge.svg | 2004–present | Flag of North Frisians | |
| File:Noordlandflagg.svg | Flag of Plattdeutsch-speaking Germans | ||
| File:Flag of Sorbs.svg | 1848–present | Flag of Sorbs | Official in Saxony. |
| File:Bandera danesos Slesvig Sud.svg | 1955–present | Flag of South Schleswig Danes | |
| File:Flag of Yeniche people.svg | Flag of Yenish people | ||
| File:Flag of Masurians.svg | 1829–1945 | Flag of Masurians |
Historical flags
Francia, Kingdom of Germany, and the Holy Roman Empire (800–1806)
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Oriflamme of Charlemagne.png | c. 9th century | Imperial Oriflamme of Charlemagne. | A 3 pointed green banner with 8 golden crosses and 6 flowers. |
| File:War flag of the Holy Roman Empire (1200-1350).svg | c. 12th–early 14th centuries | War flag of the Holy Roman Empire | A non-rectangular flag depicting a white cross on a red field |
| File:Flag Germany Emperors Banner.svg | 1400–1523 | Imperial Pavilion of Holy Roman Empire | A non-rectangular flag depicting a black eagle on a yellow field with a red bar on top |
| File:Reichsrennfahne heraldic.svg | 1400s | War flag of the Holy Roman Empire | Red swords crossed on top of one another on a field. The top of the field is black and the bottom of the field is white. |
Teutonic Order State and Prussia (1226–1935)
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of the State of the Teutonic Order.svg | 1226–1525 | Flag of the Teutonic Order State | A black cross on a white field. |
| File:Flag of Prussia (1466-1772) Lob.svg | 1466–1772 | Flag of Royal Prussia | |
| File:Flag of Ducal Prussia.svg | 1525–1701 | Flag of Ducal Prussia | |
| File:Flag of the Kingdom of Prussia (1701-1750).svg | 1701–1750 | First flag of the Kingdom in Prussia | A black eagle holding a rod and orb on a white field, a crown on top |
| File:Civil flag of Prussia 1701-1935.svg | 1701–1935 | Civil flag of Prussia | A bicolour design – white and black, split horizontally. |
| File:Flag of the Kingdom of Prussia (1750-1801).svg | 1750–1801 | Second flag of the Kingdom in Prussia and first flag of the Kingdom of Prussia | A black eagle holding a sword and rod on a white field, a crown on top |
| File:Flag of the Kingdom of Prussia (1801-1803).svg | 1801–1803 | Second flag of the Kingdom of Prussia | |
| File:Flag of the Kingdom of Prussia (1803-1892).svg | 1803–1892 | Third flag of the Kingdom of Prussia | The same as the previous flag, but the crown in the top of the flag is smaller. |
| File:War Ensign of Prussia (1816).svg | 1816 | War flag of Prussia | A smaller black crowned eagle with yellow arm plates, a rod and orb, all on a white field with an Iron Cross in the upper-left corner |
| File:Flag of Prussia (1892-1918).svg | 1892–1918 | Fourth flag of the Kingdom of Prussia | |
| File:Preußische Kriegs- und Dienstflagge.svg | 1895–1918 | War flag of Prussia | A non-rectangular flag depicting an Imperial Eagle in the centre of a white field, and in the upper-left corner, an Iron Cross is shown. |
| File:Flag of Prussia (1918–1933).svg | 1918–1933 | Flag of the Free State of Prussia | |
| File:Dienstflagge Preußen 1933-35.svg | 1933–1935 | Service flag of the Free State of Prussia | The same as the previous flag, but the phrase Gott mit uns reappears, and the eagle is holding a sword and two lightning bolts. The eagle also has a National Socialist swastika on the chest. |
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German Confederation (1815–1866)
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of Germany (3-2 aspect ratio).svg | 1848–1866 | Flag of the German Confederation, used in 1848–1849 and again in 1863–1866. First appeared within the Fürstentum Reuß-Greiz after 12 May 1778 (4:5 aspect ratio) | Also used by the Empire of Germany (1848–1849) |
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North German Confederation (1866–1871)
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of the German Empire.svg | 1867–1871 | National and merchant flag (National- und Handelsflagge) | A tricolour, made of three equal horizontal bands coloured black (top), white, and red (bottom) |
German Empire (1871–1918)
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of the German Empire.svg | 1871–1918 | National and merchant flag (National- und Handelsflagge) | |
| File:Reichskolonialflagge.svg | 1884–1918 | Colonial flag | |
| File:War Ensign of Germany (1903–1919).svg | 1903–1919 | War Ensign (Reichskriegsflagge) |
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Weimar Republic (1919–1933)
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of Germany (3-2 aspect ratio).svg | 1919–1933 | National flag (Nationalflagge) | |
| File:Flagge Deutsches Reich - Dienstflagge zu Land (1921-1933).svg | 1921–1933 | State flag (Dienstflagge zu Land) | |
| File:Flagge Deutsches Reich - Dienstflagge zur See (1921-1926).svg | 1921–1926 | State ensign (Dienstflagge zur See) | |
| File:Seedienstflagge 1926-1933.svg | 1926–1933 | State ensign (Dienstflagge zur See) | |
| File:Flag of Weimar Republic (defence minister 1919).svg | 1919–1921 | Flag of Defence Minister | |
| File:Flag of Weimar Republic (defence minister 1921).svg | 1921–1933 | Flag of Defence Minister |
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Nazi Germany (1933–1945)
The flag with the swastika and white disc centered was used throughout (1920–1945) as the NSDAP flag (Parteiflagge).[2] Between 1933 and 1935, it was used as the mandotary party flag with the national black-white-red horizontal tricolour last used (up to 1918) by the German Empire. In 1935, the black-white-red horizontal tricolour was scrapped again, and the flag with the off-centre swastika and disc was instituted as the only national flag (and was to remain as such until 1945). The flag with the centered disc only continued to be used as the Parteiflagge after 1935.[citation needed]
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flags used 1933–1935 | |||
| File:Flag of the NSDAP (1920–1945).svg |
|
A red field, with a white disc with a black swastika at a 45-degree angle. Disc and swastika are exactly in the centre. | |
| File:National flag of Germany 1933-1935.svg | 1933–1935 |
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Black, white, and red horizontal tricolour. Used in conjunction with the Parteiflagge. |
| File:Handelsflagge mit dem EK 1933-1935.svg | 1933–1935 | Merchant flag variant with the Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz) | |
| File:Dienstflagge Wehrmachtbehörden zur See 1933.svg | 1933 | Reich service flag (Reichsdienstflagge) of the Wehrmacht | |
| File:Reichsdienstflagge 1933-1935.svg | 1933–1935 | Reich service flag | |
| File:RKM 1933 - 1935.svg | 1933–1935 | Flag of the Minister of Defence | |
| Flags used 1935–1945 | |||
| File:Flag of Germany (1935–1945).svg |
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A red field, with a white disc with a black swastika at a 45-degree angle. Disk and swastika are slightly off-centre. | |
| 1933–1945 | Banner (Bannerflagge) of Germany | Banners were of various lengths, which were hung vertically on public buildings. | |
| 1933–1945 | Banner (Bannerflagge) for the Schutzstaffel | Banners that were also used by the national socialists (very rarely) along with the swastika. | |
| File:Handelsflagge mit dem Eisernen Kreuz 1935.svg | 1935–1945 | Merchant flag variant with the Iron Cross | |
| File:Reichsdienstflagge 1935.svg | 1935–1945 | Reich service flag (Reichsdienstflagge) | |
| File:Wehrmacht Commander-in-Chief flag.svg | 1935–1938 | Flag of the Wehrmacht Commander in Chief (replaced the Minister of Defence) | |
| File:War Ensign of Germany 1935-1938.svg | 1935–1938 | Kriegsmarine, Heer, Luftwaffe | |
| File:War Ensign of Germany 1938-1945.svg | 1938–1945 | Kriegsmarine, Heer, Luftwaffe | |
| File:Flag Schutzstaffel.svg | 1935–1945 | Schutzstaffel (SS) | |
| File:Flag of the SA (Sturmabteilung).svg | 1921–1945 | Sturmabteilung (SA) | |
| File:NSKK Hausflagge.svg | 1935–1945 | National Socialist Motor Corps (NSKK) | |
| File:Ordnungspolizei flag.svg | 1936–1945 | Flag of the Ordnungspolizei (OrPo) ("Order Police", the national regular police organization of National Socialist Germany) | |
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World War II aftermath in Germany
Allied Control Council (1945–1949) and Saar Protectorate
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of Germany (1946-1949).svg | 1946–1950 | "C-Pennant" (C-Doppelstander) (provisional civil ensign) | Used during the Occupation Period to identify German ships according to international law. |
| File:Flag of Saar (1947–1956).svg | 1947–1957 | Flag of Saar Protectorate | Flag of Saarland which was given by French Government. At this time period the Saar was a satellite state of France. |
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East Germany (1949–1990)
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of Germany.svg | 1949–1959 | State flag (Staatsflagge) | |
| File:Flag of German Democratic Republic.svg | 1959–1990 | State flag (Staatsflagge) 1959–1990 Merchant flag (Handelsflagge) 1973–1990 |
Tricolour of black, red, and yellow (same as West German colours), but bears the coat of arms of East Germany, consisting of a compass and a hammer encircled with rye |
| 1963–1990 | Hanging state flag (Bannerflagge) | ||
| File:Flag of German post (East Germany).svg | 1955–1973 | Flag of East German Post | |
| File:Flag of East Germany Post (1975-1990).svg | 1975–1990 | Flag of East German Post | |
| File:Flag of NVA (East Germany).svg | 1960–1990 | Flag of the National People's Army (Nationale Volksarmee or NVA) | |
| File:Regimental colours of NVA (East Germany).svg | 1960–1990 | Regimental colours (Truppenfahne) of Nationale Volksarmee | |
| File:Flag of boats of border troops (East Germany).svg | 1962–1990 | Flag of boats of the Border Troops |
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Baden-Württemberg
Baden
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flagge Großherzogtum Baden (1891–1918).svg | 1891–1918 | Flag of Grand Duchy of Baden | |
| File:Flag of the Grand Duchy of Baden (1855–1891).svg | 1862–1891 | Flag of Grand Duchy of Baden | |
| File:Bandera del Comtat d'Empúries.svg | 1855–1862 | Flag of Grand Duchy of Baden | |
| File:Flag of Baden 1848.svg | 1848–1855 | Flag of Grand Duchy of Baden | |
| File:Banner of Baden (3^2).svg | 1803-1848 | Flag of Electorate of Baden and Grand Duchy of Baden | |
| File:Banner of Baden (1^1).svg | medieval–1803 | Banner of the Margraviate of Baden |
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Hohenzollern-Hechingen and Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of Hohenzollern (1576–1850).svg | 1576–1850 | Flag of the Hohenzollern-Hechingen and Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen |
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Leyen
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of the Principality of Leyen (1806-1813).svg | 1806–1814 | Flag of the Principality of Leyen | |
| File:Flag of Hohengeroldseck (until 1798).svg | until 1798 | Flag of the County of Adendorf |
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Württemberg
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flagge Königreich Württemberg.svg | 1817–1918 | Flag of Kingdom of Württemberg | |
| File:Wurttflag.png | 1803–1816 | Flag of Electorate of Württemberg and the first flag of the Kingdom of Württemberg | |
| File:Wuerttemberg Banner.svg | medieval–1803 | Banner of Duchy of Württemberg |
Bavaria
Bavaria
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg | 1945–1949 | Flag of American Zone | Flag of the United States |
| File:Socialist red flag.svg | 1918 | Flag of Bavarian Soviet Republic | Red flag |
| File:Flag of Bavaria (striped).svg | 1805–1918 | Flag of Kingdom of Bavaria | |
| File:Electoral Standard of Bavaria (1623-1806).svg | 1623–1806 | Banner of Electorate of Bavaria | |
| File:Rautenflagge (24 Rauten).svg | 1505–1623 | Banner of Duchy of Bavaria | |
| File:Banner of Bavaria-München.svg | 1392–1505 | Banner of Bavaria-Munich | |
| File:Banner of Bavaria-Landshut.svg | 1353–1392 | Banner of Bavaria-Landshut |
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Other countries in today's Bavarian lands
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Burgraves of Nuremberg (Eigener Entwurf Version 2).svg | 1105–1191 | Banner of Burgraviate of Nuremberg under the Raabs | |
| File:Hohenzollern banner.svg | 1398–1791 | Hohenzollern banner of Principalitys of Ansbach and Bayreuth | |
| File:Flag of the Principality of Regensburg.svg | 1803–1810 | Flag of Principality of Regensburg | |
| File:Flag of the Grandduchy of Wurzburg.svg | 1805–1814 | Flag of Grand Duchy of Würzburg |
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Brandenburg
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of Brandenburg (1660–1750).svg | 1660–1750 | Flag of Margraviate of Brandenburg | |
| File:Pabellon de Brandeburgo (c. 1684).svg | c. 1684 | Flag of Margraviate of Brandenburg | |
| File:Flag of Brandenburg (1340-1657).svg | 1340–1657 | Banner of Margraviate of Brandenburg-Küstrin |
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East Frisia
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Kniphausen Flag 1835.png | ?–1835 | Flag of Lordship of Kniphausende | |
| File:Flag of Kniphausen (1702-1751).svg | 1702–1751 | Flag of Lordship of Kniphausen | |
| File:Flag of Kniphausen (1689-1702).svg | 1689–1702 | Banner of Lordship of Kniphausen |
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Hesse
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of the Free State of Bottleneck.svg | 1919–1923 | Flag of Free State of Bottleneck | |
| File:Flagge Großherzogtum Hessen ohne Wappen.svg | 1806–1918 | Flag of Grand Duchy of Hesse | |
| File:Flagge Herzogtum Nassau (1806-1866).svg | 1806–1866 | Flag of Duchy of Nassau | |
| File:Flag of Nassau-Usingen.svg | ?–1806 | Flag of Nassau-Usingen | |
| File:Flag of the Free City of Frankfurt.svg | ?–1866 | Flag of Free City of Frankfurt | |
| File:Banner of the Electorate of Mainz.svg | 1810–1813 | Flag of Grand Duchy of Frankfurt | |
| File:Flag of Isenburg County.svg | 1806–1815 | Flag of County of Isenburg | |
| File:Flag of the Kingdom of Westphalia.svg | 1807–1813 | Flag of Kingdom of Westphalia |
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Lower Saxony
Brunswick
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flagge Herzogtum Braunschweig.svg | 1830–1918 | Flag of Duchy of Brunswick | |
| File:Flagge Herzogtum Braunschweig (1814-1830).svg | 1814–1830 | Flag of Duchy of Brunswick |
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Hanover
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of the State of Hanover (1946).svg | 1946 | Flag of State of Hanover | |
| File:Flag of Hanover 1837-1866.svg | 1814–1866 | Flag of Kingdom of Hanover | |
| File:Flag of Hanover (1692).svg | 1692–1814 | Flag of Electorate of Hanover |
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Oldenburg
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of Oldenburg (Scandinavian Cross).svg | 1815–1918 | Flag of Grand Duchy of Oldenburg | Flag proportions: 3:5 Cross proportions: 9-6-9:12-6-22 |
| File:Flag of France (1794–1815, 1830–1974, 2020–present).svg | 1810–1815 | Flag of First French Empire | |
| File:Civil flag of Oldenburg.svg | 1774–1810 | Flag of Duchy of Oldenburg | Flag proportions: 3:5 Cross proportions: 9-6-9:17-6-17 |
| File:Flag of Baraya.svg | ?–1774 | Flag of County of Oldenburg |
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Schaumburg-Lippe
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flagge Fürstentum Schaumburg-Lippe.svg | 1647–1918 | Flag of Principality of Schaumburg-Lippe |
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flagge Großherzogtümer Mecklenburg.svg | 1813–1918 1864–1918 |
Flag of Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz | |
| File:Naval Ensign of Sweden.svg | 1630–1815 | Flag of Swedish Pomerania | Flag of Sweden |
North Rhine-Westphalia
Lippe
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flagge Fürstentum Lippe.svg | 1880–1918 | Flag of Principality of Lippe | |
| File:Fürstentum Lippe c 1858- c 1880.svg | c.1858–1880 | Flag of Principality of Lippe | |
| File:Flag of France (1794–1815, 1830–1974, 2020–present).svg | 1811–1814 | Flag of department of Lippe | Flag of France |
Other
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg | 1945–1949 | Flag of British occupation zone in Germany | Union Flag |
| File:Flag of North Rhine-Westphalia.svg | 1923 | Flag of Rhenish Republic | |
| File:Flag of the Grand Duchy of Berg (1806-1808).svg | 1806–1808 | Flag of Grand Duchy of Berg | |
| File:Flag of Arenberg (1803 - 1810).svg | 1803–1810 | Flag of Arenberg | |
| File:Flag of the county of Dülmen.svg | 1803–1806 | Flag of County of Dülmen | |
| File:Flag of Salm principalities (1798-1811).svg | 1798–1811 | Flag of County of Dülmen | |
| File:Flag of the Cisrhenian Republic.svg | 1797–1802 | Flag of Cisrhenian Republic | |
| File:Flag of the Prince-Bishopric of Münster.svg | 1770–1803 | Flag of Prince-Bishopric of Münster | |
| File:Black St George's Cross.svg | 1166–1801 | Flag of Free Imperial City of Aachen |
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Rhineland-Palatinate
Palatinate
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Banner of the Palatinate.svg | before 1604–1776 | Flag of Electorate of the Palatinate | |
| File:Flag of The Electoral Palatinate (1604).svg | 1604–? | Flag of Electorate of the Palatinate |
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Mainz
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Banner of the Electorate of Mainz.svg | medieval–1803 | Banner of the Electorate of Mainz |
Trier
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Red St George's Cross.svg | medieval–1801 | Banner of the Electorate of Trier |
Saarland
Palatinate
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of Saar (1947–1956).svg | 1947–1956 | Flag of Saar Protectorate | |
| File:Flag of Saar 1920-1935.svg | 1920–1935 | Flag of Territory of the Saar Basin | |
| File:Flag of France (1794–1815, 1830–1974, 2020–present).svg | 1798–1814 | Flag of department of Sarre | Flag of France |
Saxony
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of the Soviet Union (1924–1955).svg | 1945–1949 | Flag of Soviet occupation zone of Germany | Flag of the Soviet Union |
| File:Flagge Königreich Sachsen (1815-1918).svg | 1815–1918 | Flag of Kingdom of Saxony | |
| File:Flag of Electoral Saxony.svg | 1356–1806 | Electoral flag of Electorate of Saxony | |
| File:State flag of Saxony before 1815.svg | 10th cent.–1806 | State flag of Electorate of Saxony | |
| File:F1 chequered flag.svg | around 950 | Saxon flag by the House of Ascania; associated for the Saxon Ostmark and battleflag for the Saxon Eastern March |
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Saxony-Anhalt
Anhalt
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flagge Herzogtum Anhalt.svg | 1806–1918 | Flag of Duchy of Anhalt |
Anhalt-Bernburg, Anhalt-Dessau and Anhalt-Köthen
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of the Anhalt Duchies.svg | 1252–1468, 1603–1863 1396–1561, 1603–1863 1396–1562, 1603–1853 |
Flag of Anhalt-Bernburg, Anhalt-Dessau and Anhalt-Köthen |
Schleswig-Holstein
Heligoland
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg | 1945–1952 | Flag of British occupation zone in Germany | Union Flag |
| File:Flag of British Heligoland.svg | 1807–1890 | Flag of British Heligoland | |
| File:Ensign of British Heligoland.svg | 1807–1890 | Government Ensign of British Heligoland | |
| File:Governor's flag of British Heligoland.svg | 1807–1890 | Flag of the Lieutenant-Governor of British Heligoland |
Holstein
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Merchant Ensign of Holstein-Gottorp (Lions sinister).svg | ?–1864 | Civil Ensign of Duchy of Holstein |
Lübeck
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of the Free City of Lübeck.svg | medieval–1918 | Flag of Free City of Lübeck |
Saxe-Lauenburg
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of Lauenburg.svg | 1814–1876 | Flag of Saxe-Lauenburg |
Schleswig
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of Schleswig.svg | ?–1866 | Flag of Duchy of Schleswig |
Thuringia
Reuss
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flagge Fürstentum Reuß jüngere Linie.svg | 1806–1918 | Flag of Principality of Reuss-Gera | |
| File:Flagge Fürstentum Reuß ältere Linie.svg | 1778–1918 | Flag of Principality of Reuss-Greiz |
Saxe-Altenburg
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of Saxe-Altenburg (1893-1918).svg | 1893–1918 | Flag of Duchy of Saxe-Altenburg |
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Saxe-Coburg and Gotha
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flagge Herzogtum Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha (1911-1920).svg | 1911–1920 | Flag of Duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha | |
| File:Flagge Herzogtum Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha (1826-1911).svg | ?–1826 | Flag of Duchy of Saxe-Hildburghausen |
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Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of Sachsen-Gotha-Altenburg.svg | 1680–1826 | Flag of Duchy of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg |
Saxe-Meiningen
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of Saxe-Meiningen (1826).svg | 1826–1918 | Flag of Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen |
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Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flagge Großherzogtum Sachsen-Weimar-Eisenach 1897-1918.svg | 1897–1918 | Flag of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach | |
| File:Flagge Großherzogtum Sachsen-Weimar-Eisenach (1813-1897).svg | 1813–1897 | Flag of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach |
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Schwarzburg-Sondershausen
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flagge Fürstentümer Schwarzburg.svg | 1599–1918 | Flag of Principality of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen |
Other
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of East Germany with cut out emblem.svg | 1989–1990 | Defaced state flag | Used by supporters of German reunification in East Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall. |
| File:Flagge Reichsbanner 2013.jpg | 1924–1933 1953 |
Flag of the Reichsbanner Schwarz-Rot-Gold | The Reichsbanner Schwarz-Rot-Gold was an unofficial republican paramilitary organization dominated by social democrats, liberals, and members of the Catholic Centre Party, to defend the Weimar Republic against National Socialists, communists, and monarchists. Refounded in 1953 as an association for political education. |
| File:Flag of the Spartacus League (1918 variant).svg | 1914-1919 | Spartacus League | |
| File:Flag of Urburschenschaft.svg | 1816 | Flag of Urburschenschaft | |
| File:Catholic League (Germany).svg | 1609–1635 | Banner of the Catholic League | |
| File:Bundschuhfahne (brown-on-white version).svg | 1539 | Banner of the Peasants' army | |
| File:Flag of the Swabian League.svg | medieval | Banner of the Swabian League |
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Historic flag proposals
Note: Ottfried Neubecker's proposal of 1919 and those of Josef Wirmer in 1944 and of his brother Ernst in 1948 are clearly modeled on the Nordic Cross flags used in all Nordic countries – the flags of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland all having the same horizontal cross, though differing in colour.
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Wartburgfest.svg | 1817 | German unification flag at Wartburg Festival | |
| File:Hambacher fest.svg | 1832 | German unification flag at Hambach Festival | |
| File:Proposed German National Flag 1919.svg | 1926 | Ottfried Neubecker's Proposal | |
| File:German Resistance Flag Proposal 1944.svg | 1944 | Proposal for the flag of Germany after 1944 military coup d'état by Josef Wirmer; later considered for adoption by the Constitutional Convention at Herrenchiemsee (Wirmer flag) | |
| File:Proposed German National Flag 1948.svg | 1948 | Proposal for the flag for West Germany, based on Josef Wirmer's 1944 design, created by his brother, Ernst | |
| File:Proposed flag of Germany (Paul Wentzcke).svg | 1948 | Proposal for the flag for West Germany by Paul Wentzcke, based on 1848 republican designs | |
| File:Flag De Redslob.svg | 1948 | Proposal for the flag for West Germany by Edwin Redslob | |
| File:Proposed flag of Germany (Robert Lehr).svg | 1948 | Proposal for a national flag, by Robert Lehr |
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Nazi Germany occupations (1939–1945)
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Proposed flag Generalgouvernement 1940.svg | 1940 | Proposal flag for General Government of occupied Poland | Flag proposal for the newly General Government, known only from the description.[4] |
| File:Flagge Reichskolonialbund2.svg | 1939–1945 | Unofficial flag of New Swabia | Flag of Reichskolonialbund and common flag for all German colonies during the Nazi period, in practice only for the New Swabia. |
German colonial empire (1884–1918)
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of Deutsch-Ostafrika.svg | 1914 | Proposal for German East Africa | The flags of the German overseas colonies were first proposed in 1914, but were never implemented due to the breakout of World War I. |
| File:Proposed Flag of Kamerun (1914).svg | Proposal for German Kamerun | ||
| File:Flag of Deutsch-Neuguinea.svg | Proposal for German New Guinea | ||
| File:Flag of Deutsch-Samoa.svg | Proposal for German Samoa | ||
| File:Proposed Flag of German South West Africa (1914).svg | Proposal for German South-West Africa | ||
| File:Flag of Deutsch-Togo.svg | Proposal for German Togoland |
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House Flags
German shipping company
German Chartered company
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Flag of German New Guinea.svg | 1882–1898 | German New Guinea Company | |
| File:Flag of the German East Africa Company.svg | 1884–1920 | German East Africa Company | |
| File:Flagge DOAG1885.svg | 1884–1885 | ||
| File:Deutsch West-Afrikanischen Handelsgesellschaft.svg | 1885–1903 | German West African Company | |
| File:Hernsheim & Co.svg | 1875–1939 | Hernsheim & Co | |
| File:Jaluit Gesellschaft Var1.svg | 1887 | Jaluit Societyde | |
| File:Jaluit Gesellschaft Var2.svg | 1888–? | ||
| File:Flagge der Deutsche Handels- und Plantagengesellschaft der Südseeinseln zu Hamburg.svg | 1878–1887 | German trading and plantation company from the South Sea Islands |
Other companies
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| File:Zeppelin Reederei.svg | 1935–1937 | Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei | |
| File:Flag of the East African Railroad Company.svg | 1904–? | East African Railway Society |
German yacht clubs
References
- ↑ "Flags of the Holy Roman Empire", Wikipedia, 2020-09-24, retrieved 2021-01-25
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 (in German) Herzfeld, Andreas (June 2001). "Einige unbekannte Flaggenänderungen 1933–1945". Der Flaggenkurier (in Deutsch) (13). Hennigsdorf: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Flaggenkunde: 17–23. Archived from the original on 2011-07-17.
- ↑ Nazi German merchant ensign (1935-1945)
- ↑ "German-Occupied Territories 1939-1945".
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Flags of Germany.