Flags›Europe›Germany

Germany

Europe

Quick Facts

Capital

Berlin

Population

84.0M

Area

357,114 km²

Density

235 /km²

Median age

46.2 yrs

Description

Adoption

Black-red-gold from 1848
Weimar Republic in 1919
23 May 1949 (Basic Law, 77 years).

Designed byNo individual designer; colours from the 1848 movement.

Design & Symbolism

Specs plus what each color and emblem means on this flag — tap an element to reveal its meaning.

Proportions

3:5

Shape

Rectangular

Colors

Black#000000

The colors derive from the uniforms of the Lützow Free Corps; black-red-gold symbolizes German unity and freedom.

Red#DD0000 · Pantone 485 C

Red comes from the facings of the Lützow uniforms, adopted by the 1848 democratic movement.

Yellow#FFCE00 · Pantone 7405 C

Gold comes from the uniform buttons; black-red-gold became the emblem of a united, free Germany.

Construction details

Proportions 3:5. Three equal horizontal bands, black on top, red in the middle, gold at the bottom.

Construction sheet

Etiquette & protocol

How the flag should be used and displayed with respect.

Specific rules — Germany

The flag is honoured on 3 October, German Unity Day.
It flies on public buildings and at official ceremonies.

Common conventions

Keep the flag clean and never let it touch the ground.
Never fly a torn or faded flag — repair or replace it.
Illuminate the flag if it stays up at night.
Never use the flag as clothing, packaging or advertising.
Dispose of a worn flag respectfully, not in the trash.

Did you know?

Its black, red and gold flag became a symbol of democracy and unity after the 1848 revolution.

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