Explorer

Flag of Germany

Europe
83.6M
1949
Flag of Germany
DE | 3:5

Official Palette

Symbolism

The colors black, red, and gold are derived from the 19th-century Lützow Free Corps uniforms—black coats with red trim and gold buttons. They symbolize the quest for national unity, democracy, and freedom in the German states.

History

Originally adopted by the Frankfurt Parliament in 1848, the tricolor was later used by the Weber Republic (1919–1933). It was restored by both West and East Germany in 1949 and remains the symbol of the reunited Germany since 1990.

Construction

The flag has a 3:5 aspect ratio. It consists of three equal horizontal bands: black at the top, red in the middle, and gold (not yellow) at the bottom.

Color Meanings

black: Determination and the black uniforms of the Lützow Free Corps
red: The red trim on uniforms and the blood shed for freedom
gold: The gold buttons on uniforms and the 'sun of freedom' rising from darkness

Country Facts

Population
83.6M

8.9% of Europe

Capital
Berlin
Languages
German
Continent
Europe
Subregion
Central Europe
Landlocked
No
Borders
Flag of Austria AustriaFlag of Belgium BelgiumFlag of Czechia CzechiaFlag of Denmark DenmarkFlag of France FranceFlag of Luxembourg LuxembourgFlag of The Netherlands The NetherlandsFlag of Poland PolandFlag of Switzerland Switzerland
ISO 3166-1
DE

Flag Identification

Adopted
May 23, 1949
Proportions

3:5 (≈1.667)

35
Total Colors
3
Primary Layout
Horizontal bands

Influences

Lützow Free Corps uniforms
1848 Frankfurt Parliament

Flags with resemblance

Visually close designs — compare colors and emblems, or try similarities mode.

Related flags

Flag Protocol

  • The colors must be described as black-red-gold (never black-red-yellow)
  • Must be displayed with the black band at the top
  • Federal flags with the shield (Bundesdienstflagge) are for government use only

Practice

Think you know the flags of Europe? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.

Start Europe Quiz