Germany

Information about the German Flag: Colors and Meaning of the Flag of Germany

The flag of Germany is a tricolor consisting of three equal horizontal bands displaying the national colors of Germany: the top stripe is black, the middle stripe is red and the bottom stripe is gold. On May 9, 1949 the black-red-gold flag was adopted as the federal flag for the Federal Republic of West Germany. In 1990 East Germany was reunited with the Federal Republic.

The colors of the German flag are associated with the republican democracy formed after World War II, and represent German unity and freedom: not only the freedom of Germany, but also the personal freedom of the German people.According to Ancient and Heraldic traditions much symbolism is associated with colors. The colors on the German flag represent the following:

Yellow – a symbol of generosity
Red – hardiness, bravery, strength and valour
Black – Determination

:: Meaning of Coat of Arms ::

The coat of arms of Germany is a symbol of Germany; the coat of arms feature an eagle. The colors of the coat of arms are similar to those of the flag of Germany (black, red and gold). It is one of the oldest extant state symbols of Europe and is one of the oldest insignias in the world. Official depictions of the eagle can be found not only in the federal coat of arms but also on the federal institutions flag, the standard of the President of Germany and official seals. These are designs by various artists of the Weimar period and differ primarily in the shape and position of the wings. A similar representation is found also on the Euro coin.