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List of German flags

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

See also: Flag 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

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1949–present National and merchant flag (Bundes- und Handelsflagge) 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. 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.
1997–present Hanging national flag (Bannerflagge)
1996–present Hanging state flag

Standards

[edit]

Presidential standard

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1921–1926;
since 1950		 Standard of the president of Germany 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.
1933–1935 (de facto up to 1934) Standard of the president
1926–1933 Standard of the president
1919–1921 Flag of the president
1955–1960 Standard of the president of East Germany
1953–1955 Standard of the president of East Germany
1951–1953 Standard of the president of East Germany
1950–1951 Standard of the president of East Germany
1949–1950 Standard of the president of East Germany
1960–1990 Standard of the president of the State Council
1935–1945 Standard of the Führer

Imperial family standards

[edit]
Further information: House of Hohenzollern
Flag Date Use Description
1871–1888 German Emperor's Standard
1888–1918 German Emperor's Standard
1871–1901 Empress Augusta and Empress Victoria's Standard
1888–1918 Empress Augusta Viktoria's Standard
1871–1888 Standard of the Crown Prince
1888–1918 Standard of the Crown Prince
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.
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
1437–1493 Banner of Emperor Frederick III A black double-headed eagle with the coat of arms of Austria on a yellow field
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
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
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]

Other standards

[edit]
Further information: House of Hohenzollern
Flag Date Use Description
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".
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.
1835–1918 Royal Standard of the King of Bavaria
1903–1918 Royal Standard of the Grand Duke of Hesse
1903–1918 Royal Standard of the Grand Duchess of Hesse
?–1918 Princely standard of Prince Reuss of Greiz
?–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.
1911-1918 Princely standard of Schaumburg-Lippe
1816-1837 Royal Standard of the Kingdom of Hanover Flag of the King of Great Britain in Hannover until Queen Victoria.

Military

[edit]

German Navy

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
Ensigns
1956– War ensign and jack (Seekriegsflagge und Gösch) of the German Navy A swallowtail variant of the state flag
1960–1990 Naval ensign (Seekriegsflagge) of the Volksmarine
1938–1945 Naval ensign of Kriegsmarine
1935–1938 Naval ensign of Kriegsmarine
1933–1935 Reich war flag (Reichskriegsflagge) and marine jack
1921–1933 Reich war flag
1919–1921 (never used) Reich war flag (Reichskriegsflagge)
1903–1918 (1921) Reich war flag
1892–1903 Reich war flag (Reichskriegsflagge)
1867–1892 Imperial Navy war ensign (Kriegsflagge)
1848–1852 War ensign of the Reichsflotte
1895–1918 Naval ensign of Prussian Navy
1819–1895 Naval ensign of Prussian Navy
1816–1819 Naval ensign of Prussian Navy
12th century Naval ensign of the State of the Teutonic Order
1650–1694 Naval ensign of the Brandenburg Navy
15th century 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.
15th century War flag of the Holy Roman Empire A non-rectangular[clarification needed] flag depicting a black eagle on a yellow field with a red bar on top
c. 12th–early 14th centuries War flag of the Holy Roman Empire A non-rectangular flag depicting a white cross on a red field
Jacks
1956– War ensign and jack (Seekriegsflagge und Gösch) of the German Navy A swallowtail variant of the state flag
1935–1945 Jack of Kriegsmarine
1933–1935 Jack of Kriegsmarine
1921–1933 Marine jack (Kriegsgösch)
1903–1918 (1921) Marine jack
1867–1903 Marine jack (Kriegsschiffgösch)
1848–1852 Jack of the Reichsflotte
Other
1945–1947 Flag of the German Mine Sweeping Administration The signal pennant "8"

Military and state flags

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
Standard of the chancellor of Germany A square variant of the Bundesdienstflagge with red border.
1957– Standard of inspector general of the Bundeswehr
1964– Troop colour (Truppenfahne) of the Bundeswehr A variant of the Kriegsflagge with aspect ratio of 1:1.
1950–1994 Flag of Deutsche Bundespost
1950–1994 Flag of the minister of Deutsche Bundespost
1950–1994 Flag of the president of Deutsche Bundespost A swallowtail variant of the postal flag
1950–1994 Flag of the state secretary of Deutsche Bundespost

Non-Governmental flags

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1933–1943 Flag of the Kyffhäuserbund The red square with an iron cross and a Kyffhäuser Monument

Civil ensign

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1949–present Merchant flag A tricolour, made of three equal horizontal bands coloured black (top), red, and gold (bottom).
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
1959–1973 Merchant flag of German Democratic Republic (Handelsflagge)
1946–1950 "C-Pennant" (C-Doppelstander) (provisional civil ensign) Used during the Occupation Period to identify German ships according to international law.
1935–1945 Merchant flag of German Reich variant with the Iron Cross
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.
1933–1935 Merchant flag of German Reich variant with the Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz)
1933–1935 Merchant flag of German Reich (Handelsflagge) Black, white, and red horizontal tricolour. Used in conjunction with the Parteiflagge.
1921–1933 Merchant flag of Weimar Republic variant with the Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz)
1919–1933 Merchant flag of Weimar Republic (Handelsflagge)
1896–1918 Merchant flag variant with the Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz)
1871–1918 Merchant flag of German Empire (National- und Handelsflagge)
?–1918 Merchant flag of Mecklenburg-Schwerin
?–1864 Merchant flag of Duchy of Holstein
1816–1837 Merchant flag of Kingdom of Hanover

German Scouting flags

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
?–present Flag of German Association of Guides and Scouts
1965–present Flag of Deutsche Pfadfinderschaft Sankt Georg
1931–1965 Old flag of Deutsche Pfadfinderschaft Sankt Georg
1973–present Flag of Verband Christlicher Pfadfinderinnen und Pfadfinder White logo on a blue background.

Other youth organisations

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1946–1989 Flag of Free German Youth

1948–1990 Flag and pennant of Ernst Thälmann Pioneer Organisation
1955–1994 Wiking-Jugend

1932–1945 Flag and pennant of Deutsches Jungvolk


1926–1945 Flags and pennant of Hitlerjugend



1926–1935 Pennants of Hitlerjugend
1935–1945 Pennant of League of German Girls
1904–present Socialist Youth of Germany – Falcons

Sport flags

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
Link to file ?–present Flag of German Canoeing Associationde
1956, 1960 and 1964 Flag of United Team of Germany at the Olympics
1952–1990 Flag of Gesellschaft für Sport und Technik
1957–1990 Flag of Deutscher Turn- und Sportbund
1936–1945 Flag of Sports Office of the Third Reich
1934–1945 Flag of Deutsche Jägerschaft
1930's–1945 Flag of German Bicycle Union
  • Pennant for the German Bicycle Union (1930's–1945)
    Pennant for the German Bicycle Union (1930's–1945)
  • Pennant for the German Car Club (?–1945)
    Pennant for the German Car Club (?–1945)
  • Pennant for the German Aeronautic Union (1933–1937)
    Pennant for the German Aeronautic Union (1933–1937)

Vexillology Associations flags

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1995–present Flag of the German Vexillological Association
Flag of World Vexillological Research Institute

Flags of German states

[edit]
Main article: Flags of German states

Flags of German districts

[edit]
Main article: List of district flags of Germany

Flags of German municipalities

[edit]
Main article: Lists of German municipal flags

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

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description

1952–present Flags of Baden
1990's–present Flag of Franconia
2006–present Flag of Frisia
1952–present Flag of Mecklenburg
1816–present Flag of Palatinate
1945–present Flag of Pomerania
?–present Flag of Westphalia
1945–present Flag of Württemberg

Political flags

[edit]
Flag Date Party Description
current
1991–present Social Democratic Party of Germany
2023–present Christian Democratic Union of Germany
2016–present Christian Social Union in Bavaria
2015–present Free Democratic Party
1952–1968
1993–present Alliance 90/The Greens "New" flag from 2023 with a change of colours to a darker shade of green and a slightly desaturated yellow.
2021–present Alternative for Germany
2007–present Die Linke
2004–present South Schleswig Voters' Association
2013–present National Democratic Party of Germany
1964–? Still appearing in street demonstrations.
2013–present The III. Path
2012–present Ecological-Left Liberal Democratic Party
2012–present The Right – Party for Referendum, Sovereignty and Homeland Protection
2011–present Marxist–Leninist Party of Germany
2005–present Bergpartei, die "ÜberPartei"
2004–present Front Deutscher Äpfel
2000s–present Identitarian movement
1990–present Communist Party of Germany
2021–present Free Saxony
former
1870–1933 Centre Party Used before the Nazi period.
1998–2005 Deutsche Heidnische Front
1979–1995 Free German Workers' Party
1977–1983 Action Front of National Socialists/National Activists
1968–1986 Communist Party of Germany/Marxists–Leninists
1949–1952 Socialist Reich Party
1943–1945 National Committee for a Free Germany Also used the Flag of Germany (1867–1918) without the heading
1930–1933 Black Front
1920–1924 Union of Upper Silesians
1920–1945 National Socialist German Workers' Party

1919–1946 Communist Party of Germany (obverse and reverse)
1918–1933 German National People's Party Flag of Germany (1867–1918)
East Germany
1946–1989 Socialist Unity Party of Germany
1945–1990 Christian Democratic Union
1945–1990 Liberal Democratic Party of Germany
1948–1990 Democratic Farmers' Party of Germany
1948–1990 National Democratic Party of Germany
1945–present People's Solidarity
1945–1994 Peasants Mutual Aid Association
1947–1990 Democratic Women's League of Germany
?–1990 Cultural Association of the GDR
other
1990s–present Antifa
1933–1935 Der Stahlhelm, Bund der Frontsoldaten
1918–1933
1932 Iron Front's Anti-Nazi Demonstration Flag
1928–1933 Rural People's Movement
1919–1921 Freikorps Roßbach

Religious flags

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Evangelical Church in Germany
former
1990s–2000s Flag of Heathen Front
1932–1945 Flag of German Christians (movement)
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.
1871–1918 Old Church pennant

Ethnic groups flags

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1989–present Flag of East Frisians
2004–present Flag of North Frisians
Flag of Plattdeutsch-speaking Germans
1848–present Flag of Sorbs Official in Saxony.
1955–present Flag of South Schleswig Danes
Flag of Yenish people
1829–1945 Flag of Masurians

Historical flags

[edit]

Francia, Kingdom of Germany, and the Holy Roman Empire (800–1806)

[edit]
Further information: Francia, Kingdom of Germany, and Holy Roman Empire
Flag Date Use Description
c. 9th century Imperial Oriflamme of Charlemagne. A 3 pointed green banner with 8 golden crosses and 6 flowers.
c. 12th–early 14th centuries War flag of the Holy Roman Empire A non-rectangular flag depicting a white cross on a red field
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
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)

[edit]
Further information: State of the Teutonic Order and Prussia
Flag Date Use Description
1226–1525 Flag of the Teutonic Order State A black cross on a white field.
1466–1772 Flag of Royal Prussia
1525–1701 Flag of Ducal Prussia
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
1701–1935 Civil flag of Prussia A bicolour design – white and black, split horizontally.
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
1801–1803 Second flag of the Kingdom of Prussia
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.
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
1892–1918 Fourth flag of the Kingdom of Prussia
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.
1918–1933 Flag of the Free State of Prussia
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.

German Confederation (1815–1866)

[edit]
Further information: German Confederation
Flag Date Use Description
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)

North German Confederation (1866–1871)

[edit]
Further information: North German Confederation
Flag Date Use Description
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)

[edit]
Further information: German Empire and Flag of the German Empire
Flag Date Use Description
1871–1918 National and merchant flag (National- und Handelsflagge)
1884–1918 Colonial flag
1903–1919 War Ensign (Reichskriegsflagge)

Weimar Republic (1919–1933)

[edit]
Further information: Weimar Republic
Flag Date Use Description
1919–1933 National flag (Nationalflagge)
1921–1933 State flag (Dienstflagge zu Land)
1921–1926 State ensign (Dienstflagge zur See)
1926–1933 State ensign (Dienstflagge zur See)
1919–1921 Flag of Defence Minister
1921–1933 Flag of Defence Minister

Nazi Germany (1933–1945)

[edit]
See also: Nazi Germany, Flag of Nazi Germany, and Blutfahne

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
  • 1920–1945
A red field, with a white disc with a black swastika at a 45-degree angle. Disc and swastika are exactly in the centre.
1933–1935
  • National flag (Nationalflagge)
  • Merchant flag (Handelsflagge)
 Black, white, and red horizontal tricolour. Used in conjunction with the Parteiflagge.
1933–1935 Merchant flag variant with the Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz)
1933 Reich service flag (Reichsdienstflagge) of the Wehrmacht
1933–1935 Reich service flag
1933–1935 Flag of the Minister of Defence
Flags used 1935–1945
  • 1935–1945
  • 1935–1945
  • National flag[2]
  • Marine jack (Gösch)
 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.
1935–1945 Merchant flag variant with the Iron Cross
1935–1945 Reich service flag
1935–1938 Flag of the Wehrmacht Commander in Chief (replaced the Minister of Defence)
1935–1938 Kriegsmarine, Heer, Luftwaffe
1938–1945 Kriegsmarine, Heer, Luftwaffe
1935–1945 Schutzstaffel (SS)
1921–1945 Sturmabteilung (SA)
1935–1945 National Socialist Motor Corps (NSKK)
1936–1945 Flag of the Ordnungspolizei (OrPo) ("Order Police", the national regular police organization of National Socialist Germany)

World War II aftermath in Germany

[edit]

Allied Control Council (1945–1949) and Saar Protectorate

Flag Date Use Description
1946–1950 "C-Pennant" (C-Doppelstander) (provisional civil ensign) Used during the Occupation Period to identify German ships according to international law.
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.

East Germany (1949–1990)

[edit]
See also: East Germany and Flag of East Germany
Flag Date Use Description
1949–1959 State flag (Staatsflagge)
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)
1955–1973 Flag of East German Post
1975–1990 Flag of East German Post
1960–1990 Flag of the National People's Army (Nationale Volksarmee or NVA)
1960–1990 Regimental colours (Truppenfahne) of Nationale Volksarmee
1962–1990 Flag of boats of the Border Troops

Baden-Württemberg

[edit]

Baden

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1891–1918 Flag of Grand Duchy of Baden
1862–1891 Flag of Grand Duchy of Baden
1855–1862 Flag of Grand Duchy of Baden
1848–1855 Flag of Grand Duchy of Baden
1803-1848 Flag of Electorate of Baden and Grand Duchy of Baden
medieval–1803 Banner of the Margraviate of Baden

Hohenzollern-Hechingen and Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1576–1850 Flag of the Hohenzollern-Hechingen and Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen

Leyen

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1806–1814 Flag of the Principality of Leyen
until 1798 Flag of the County of Adendorf

Württemberg

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1817–1918 Flag of Kingdom of Württemberg
1803–1816 Flag of Electorate of Württemberg and the first flag of the Kingdom of Württemberg
medieval–1803 Banner of Duchy of Württemberg

Bavaria

[edit]

Bavaria

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1945–1949 Flag of American Zone Flag of the United States
1918 Flag of Bavarian Soviet Republic Red flag
1805–1918 Flag of Kingdom of Bavaria
1623–1806 Banner of Electorate of Bavaria
1505–1623 Banner of Duchy of Bavaria
1392–1505 Banner of Bavaria-Munich
1353–1392 Banner of Bavaria-Landshut

Other countries in today's Bavarian lands

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1105–1191 Banner of Burgraviate of Nuremberg under the Raabs
1398–1791 Hohenzollern banner of Principalitys of Ansbach and Bayreuth
1803–1810 Flag of Principality of Regensburg
1805–1814 Flag of Grand Duchy of Würzburg

Brandenburg

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1660–1750 Flag of Margraviate of Brandenburg
c. 1684 Flag of Margraviate of Brandenburg
1340–1657 Banner of Margraviate of Brandenburg-Küstrin

East Frisia

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
?–1835 Flag of Lordship of Kniphausende
1702–1751 Flag of Lordship of Kniphausen
1689–1702 Banner of Lordship of Kniphausen

Hesse

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1919–1923 Flag of Free State of Bottleneck
1806–1918 Flag of Grand Duchy of Hesse
1806–1866 Flag of Duchy of Nassau
?–1806 Flag of Nassau-Usingen
?–1866 Flag of Free City of Frankfurt
1810–1813 Flag of Grand Duchy of Frankfurt
1806–1815 Flag of County of Isenburg
1807–1813 Flag of Kingdom of Westphalia

Lower Saxony

[edit]

Brunswick

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1830–1918 Flag of Duchy of Brunswick
1814–1830 Flag of Duchy of Brunswick

Hanover

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1946 Flag of State of Hanover
1814–1866 Flag of Kingdom of Hanover
1692–1814 Flag of Electorate of Hanover

Oldenburg

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1815–1918 Flag of Grand Duchy of Oldenburg Flag proportions: 3:5
Cross proportions: 9-6-9:12-6-22
1810–1815 Flag of First French Empire
1774–1810 Flag of Duchy of Oldenburg Flag proportions: 3:5
Cross proportions: 9-6-9:17-6-17
?–1774 Flag of County of Oldenburg

Schaumburg-Lippe

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1647–1918 Flag of Principality of Schaumburg-Lippe

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1813–1918
1864–1918		 Flag of Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz
1630–1815 Flag of Swedish Pomerania Flag of Sweden

North Rhine-Westphalia

[edit]

Lippe

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1880–1918 Flag of Principality of Lippe
c.1858–1880 Flag of Principality of Lippe
1811–1814 Flag of department of Lippe Flag of France

Other

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1945–1949 Flag of British occupation zone in Germany Union Flag
1923 Flag of Rhenish Republic
1806–1808 Flag of Grand Duchy of Berg
1803–1810 Flag of Arenberg
1803–1806 Flag of County of Dülmen
1798–1811 Flag of County of Dülmen
1797–1802 Flag of Cisrhenian Republic
1770–1803 Flag of Prince-Bishopric of Münster
1166–1801 Flag of Free Imperial City of Aachen

Rhineland-Palatinate

[edit]

Palatinate

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
before 1604–1776 Flag of Electorate of the Palatinate
1604–? Flag of Electorate of the Palatinate

Mainz

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
medieval–1803 Banner of the Electorate of Mainz

Trier

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
medieval–1801 Banner of the Electorate of Trier

Saarland

[edit]

Palatinate

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1947–1956 Flag of Saar Protectorate
1920–1935 Flag of Territory of the Saar Basin
1798–1814 Flag of department of Sarre Flag of France

Saxony

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1945–1949 Flag of Soviet occupation zone of Germany Flag of the Soviet Union
1815–1918 Flag of Kingdom of Saxony
1356–1806 Electoral flag of Electorate of Saxony
10th cent.–1806 State flag of Electorate of Saxony
around 950 Saxon flag by the House of Ascania; associated for the Saxon Ostmark and battleflag for the Saxon Eastern March

Saxony-Anhalt

[edit]

Anhalt

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1806–1918 Flag of Duchy of Anhalt

Anhalt-Bernburg, Anhalt-Dessau and Anhalt-Köthen

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1252–1468, 1603–1863
1396–1561, 1603–1863
1396–1562, 1603–1853		 Flag of Anhalt-Bernburg, Anhalt-Dessau and Anhalt-Köthen

Schleswig-Holstein

[edit]

Heligoland

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1945–1952 Flag of British occupation zone in Germany Union Flag
1807–1890 Flag of British Heligoland
1807–1890 Government Ensign of British Heligoland
1807–1890 Flag of the Lieutenant-Governor of British Heligoland

Holstein

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
?–1864 Civil Ensign of Duchy of Holstein

Lübeck

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
medieval–1918 Flag of Free City of Lübeck

Saxe-Lauenburg

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1814–1876 Flag of Saxe-Lauenburg

Schleswig

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
?–1866 Flag of Duchy of Schleswig

Thuringia

[edit]

Reuss

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1806–1918 Flag of Principality of Reuss-Gera
1778–1918 Flag of Principality of Reuss-Greiz

Saxe-Altenburg

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1893–1918 Flag of Duchy of Saxe-Altenburg

Saxe-Coburg and Gotha

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1911–1920 Flag of Duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha
?–1826 Flag of Duchy of Saxe-Hildburghausen

Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1680–1826 Flag of Duchy of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg

Saxe-Meiningen

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1826–1918 Flag of Duchy of Saxe-Meiningen

Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1897–1918 Flag of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach
1813–1897 Flag of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach

Schwarzburg-Sondershausen

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1599–1918 Flag of Principality of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen

Other

[edit]
Flag Date Use Description
1989–1990 Defaced state flag Used by supporters of German reunification in East Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
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.
1914-1919 Spartacus League
1816 Flag of Urburschenschaft
1609–1635 Banner of the Catholic League
1539 Banner of the Peasants' army
medieval Banner of the Swabian League

Historic flag proposals

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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
1817 German unification flag at Wartburg Festival
1832 German unification flag at Hambach Festival
1926 Ottfried Neubecker's Proposal
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)
1948 Proposal for the flag for West Germany, based on Josef Wirmer's 1944 design, created by his brother, Ernst
1948 Proposal for the flag for West Germany by Paul Wentzcke, based on 1848 republican designs
1948 Proposal for the flag for West Germany by Edwin Redslob
1948 Proposal for a national flag, by Robert Lehr

Nazi Germany occupations (1939–1945)

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Flag Date Use Description
1940 Proposal flag for General Government of occupied Poland Flag proposal for the newly General Government, known only from the description.[3]
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)

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See also: Coats of arms of German colonies
Flag Date Use Description
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.
Proposal for German Kamerun
Proposal for German New Guinea
Proposal for German Samoa
Proposal for German South-West Africa
Proposal for German Togoland

House Flags

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German shipping company

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Flag Date Use Description
Aug. Bolten Wm. Miller’s Nachfolger
?–present Bossler shipping companies
1819–present F. A. Vinnen & Co.de
1871–present Hamburg Süd
1920–present Hugo Stinnes Schiffahrt
1901–present Johann M. K. Blumenthalde
1903–present Leonhardt & Blumbergde
1920–present Ludwig & Jakob Götzde
1928–present Reederei Baltrum-Liniede
1900–present Reederei Warringsde
1982–present Rickmers Group
?–present Schiffswerft Philipp Ebert und Söhnede
1890–present Unterweser Reedereide
1946–present Waibel KGde
1885–present Wyker Steamship Shipping Company Föhr-Amrumde
1896–1922 Argo Reedereide
1899–1969 A. Kirstende
1875–2018 Cassens-Werftde
1872–1926 Deutsche Dampfschiffahrtsgesellschaft Kosmosde
1890–1942 Deutsche Ost-Afrika Linie
1881–1980 DDG Hansa
1873–1974 D. G. Neptunde
1821–1918 D. H. Wätjen & Co.de
1889–1970 Deutsche Levante-Liniede
1898–1931 Emil R. Retzlaff
1970s Fendel-Stinnes
1958–1973 and 1991–1997 Hamburg Atlantic Line
1847–1970 Hamburg America Line
1887–1939 Hamburg-Bremen-Africa-linede
1907–1920s Hugo Stinnes Linien GmbH
1884–1914 Jantzen & Thormählen
1850–1879 Liniendienst von Joh. Ces. Godeffroy & Sohn
1924–1990 Lübeck Liniede
1808–? Mathias Stinnesde
1857–1970 Norddeutscher Lloyd
1882–2018 Oldenburg-Portugiesische Dampfschiffs-Rhedereide
1869–1967 Reederei Robert Meyhoeferde
1905–1959 Roland-Liniede
1885–1942 Woermann-Linie

German Chartered company

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Flag Date Use Description
1882–1898 German New Guinea Company
1884–1920 German East Africa Company
1884–1885
1885–1903 German West African Company
1875–1939 Hernsheim & Co
1887 Jaluit Societyde
1888–?
1878–1887 German trading and plantation company from the South Sea Islands

Other companies

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Flag Date Use Description
1935–1937 Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei
1904–? East African Railway Society

German yacht clubs

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Flag Club
Academic Sailing Club in Kielde
Blankeneser Segel-Clubde
Flensburger Segel-Clubde
Seebrucker Regatta-Verein
Segelclub Rhe
Segler Verein Wörthsee
Segler-Gemeinschaft Utting e.V.
Seglervereinigung 1903 Berlin
Spandauer Yacht-Clubde
Verein Seglerhaus am Wannsee
Württembergischer Yacht Club
Yacht-Club Bad Wiessee e.V.
The German Sea Sports Association HANSAde
AYC-StAGde
Hamburger Segel-Club
Kaiserlicher Yacht Club
Kieler Yacht-Club
Lübecker Yacht-Club

Marine-Regatta-Verein
Norddeutscher Regatta Verein
Yacht-Club Nürnbergde
Segel-Club Oberhavelde
Sailing Fellowship "The Coat of Arms of Bremen"de
Flag of "Wimpel des Segel-Motorboot-Club Friedrichshafen" without background Segel-Motorboot-Club Friedrichshafende
Stander ASV zu Halle
Segel-Club "Ahoi"de
Sailing club "Weser"de
Water Sports Club 1921de
Weser Yacht Club Bremerhavende
Yacht-Club von Deutschland (Burgee)
National Socialist Flyers Corps (NSFK)
Feldgendarmerie (Field Military Police)
Yacht-Club von Deutschland (Ensign)

References

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  1. ^ "Flags of the Holy Roman Empire", Wikipedia, 2020-09-24, retrieved 2021-01-25
  2. ^ a b c (in German) Herzfeld, Andreas (June 2001). "Einige unbekannte Flaggenänderungen 1933–1945". Der Flaggenkurier (in German) (13). Hennigsdorf: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Flaggenkunde: 17–23. Archived from the original on 2011-07-17.
  3. ^ "German-Occupied Territories 1939-1945".
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