Reichsadler

The Reichsadler was an historic eagle national insignia during various times of Germany's history, including the German Empire, Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany. It can be traced back to the banner of the Holy Roman Emperor. The modern German coat of arms is called Bundesadler.

During Nazi rule, the traditional German eagle was combined with the Nazi-style swastika. Although the eagle itself is an old national insignia of Germany, the term "Reichsadler" in common English understanding is mostly associated with this specific Nazi times version.

The Nazi party NSDAP used a very similar symbol for itself, called the Parteiadler ("Party's eagle"). These two insignia can be distinguished as the Reichsadler looks to its right shoulder whereas the Parteiadler looks to its left shoulder.

• 
  Holy Roman Empire (c. 1400)
• 
  Holy Roman Empire
• 
  Reichsadler 1888-1918 (German Empire)
• 
  Reichsadler 1919-1933 (Weimar Republic)
• 
  Reichsadler 1933–1945 (Third Reich)

See also

• Armorial of the Holy Roman Empire
• Coat of arms of Germany
• History of Germany
• Aquila (Roman) Roman Empire
• Western use of the Swastika in the early 20th century