| A red field, with a white disc with a black [[swastika]] at a 45 degree angle. Disk and swastika are slightly off-centre.
| A red field, with a white disc with a black [[swastika]] at a 45 degree angle. Disk and swastika are slightly off-centre.
|-
|-
| [[File:Banner of Germany 1933.svg|border|150px]] || 1933–1945 || Banner ({{lang|de|Bannerflagge}}) of Germany || Banners were of various lengths, which were hung vertically on public buildings.
| [[File:Banner of Germany 1933.svg|border|center|50px]] || 1933–1945 || Banner ({{lang|de|Bannerflagge}}) of Germany || Banners were of various lengths, which were hung vertically on public buildings.
|-
|-
| [[File:Banner of the SS.png|border|150px]] || 1933–1945 || Banner ({{lang|de|Bannerflagge}}) for the SS || Banners that were also used by the national socialists (very rarely) along with the swastika.
| [[File:Banner of the SS.png|border|center|50px]] || 1933–1945 || Banner ({{lang|de|Bannerflagge}}) for the SS || Banners that were also used by the national socialists (very rarely) along with the swastika.
|-
|-
| [[File:Handelsflagge mit dem Eisernen Kreuz 1935.svg|border|150px]] || 1935–1945 || Merchant flag variant with the Iron Cross ||
| [[File:Handelsflagge mit dem Eisernen Kreuz 1935.svg|border|150px]] || 1935–1945 || Merchant flag variant with the Iron Cross ||
Revision as of 11:28, 26 December 2022
This list of German flags details flags and standards that have been or are currently used by Germany between 1848 and the present. For more information about the current national flag, see flag of Germany.
A tricolour, made of three equal horizontal bands coloured black (top), red, and gold (bottom).
1950–present
State flag and ensign (Bundesdienstflagge) and military flag (Kriegsflagge). This flag may only be used by federal government authorities.
The national flag with the Bundesschild (a 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.
National flag with coat of arms (Bundesflagge mit Bundeswappen). Unofficial version, the private use of which is not penalized.
The standard depicts the elements of the coat of arms. A version of the standard that is identical in heraldic terms, but with a slightly different exact design, was used 1926–1933.
On a red field, an Iron Cross is shown. In the center 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".
1844–1871
Old Royal Standard of the Emperor of Germany in Prussia (King of Prussia)
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.
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
Most municipalities have unique flags. Like state flags, most of them are with either a bicolor or tricolor stipes with or without the emblem ("wappen").
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 Socialistswastika on the chest.
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)
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 national flag (Nationalflagge) and merchant flag (Handelsflagge) – interchangeably with the 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-center 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]
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
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.