After
World War II, Germany was
split into several different occupation zones. But later the different occupation zones were merged into
East and
West Germany. West Germany is where the modern German state gets its current traditions of medals and decorations from.
Federal State Orders
Federally recognized orders
{, class="wikitable" width="100%"
, width="25%" , Badge and ribbon
, width="20%" , Name (
English/''
German
German(s) may refer to:
* Germany (of or related to)
**Germania (historical use)
* Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language
** For citizens of Germany, see also German nationality law
**Ger ...
'')
, width="15%" , Creation date – cessation date
, width="25%" , Description
, width="15%" , Number awarded
, -
,
![Pour le mérite für wissenschaft und künste](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1d/Pour_le_m%C3%A9rite_f%C3%BCr_wissenschaft_und_k%C3%BCnste.jpg)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Pour le Mérite for the arts and sciences
''Pour le Mérite für wissenschaft und künste''
,
7 June 1740 (whole order)
31 May 1842 (separate class)
1952 (''re-established'')
, men and women who through widespread recognition for their contributions to science and art have made an eminent name for themselves
, Unknown
, -{, class="wikitable" width="100%"
,
![Order of Saint John (Bailiwick of Brandenburg) Knight of Honour Cross 003-2](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ce/Order_of_Saint_John_%28Bailiwick_of_Brandenburg%29_Knight_of_Honour_Cross_003-2.jpg)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Order of Saint John
''Johanniterorden''
,
1099 (Whole order)
1852 (''re-established'')
, Outstanding achievements in charity and support the sick and needy.
,
Orders of the German States
{, class="wikitable" width="100%"
, width="25%" , Badge and ribbon
, width="20%" , Name (
English/''
German
German(s) may refer to:
* Germany (of or related to)
**Germania (historical use)
* Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language
** For citizens of Germany, see also German nationality law
**Ger ...
'')
, width="15%" , Creation date – cessation date
, width="25%" , Description
, width="15%" , Number awarded
, -
,
![Landesorden Vorderseite](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ce/Landesorden_Vorderseite.jpg)
![DE-BW Verdienstorden des Landes Baden-Württemberg 25mm bandschnalle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/21/DE-BW_Verdienstorden_des_Landes_Baden-W%C3%BCrttemberg_25mm_bandschnalle.png)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Order of Merit of Baden-Württemberg
Order of Merit of Baden-Württemberg (german: link=no, Verdienstorden des Landes Baden-Württemberg) is the highest award of the German State of Baden-Württemberg. Established 26 November 1974, it was originally called the Medal of Merit of Bad ...
''Verdienstorden des Landes Baden-Württemberg''
,
26 November 1974
, Outstanding contributions to the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, in politics, society, culture and economics.
, 1,989 ''(as of 2021)''
, -{, class="wikitable" width="100%"
,
![Bayerischer Verdienstorden Herrenausführung Avers noBG](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f6/Bayerischer_Verdienstorden_Herrenausf%C3%BChrung_Avers_noBG.jpg)
![DE-BY Der Bayerische Verdienstorden BAR](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/79/DE-BY_Der_Bayerische_Verdienstorden_BAR.png)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Bavarian Order of Merit
''Bayerischer Verdienstorden''
,
11 June 1957
, Men and women without distinction of nationality or class who have made outstanding contributions to the
Free State of Bavaria and the Bavarian people.
, 5725
, -{, class="wikitable" width="100%"
,
![Bavarian Maximilian Order](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f6/Bavarian_Maximilian_Order.jpg)
![DE-BY Der Bayerische Maximiliansorden für Wissenschaft und Kunst BAR](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9b/DE-BY_Der_Bayerische_Maximiliansorden_f%C3%BCr_Wissenschaft_und_Kunst_BAR.png)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Bavarian Maximilian Order for arts and sciences
''Bayerischer Maximiliansorden für Wissenschaft und Kunst''
,
28 November 1853 (Whole order)
18 March 1980 (''re-established'')
, Outstanding achievements in the field of science and art.
, 573
, -{, class="wikitable" width="100%"
,
![Verdienstorden Berlin](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fe/Verdienstorden_Berlin.jpg)
![DEU Der Verdienstorden des Landes Berlin BAR](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/af/DEU_Der_Verdienstorden_des_Landes_Berlin_BAR.png)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Order of Merit of Berlin
''Verdienstorden des Landes Berlin''
,
21 July 1987
, Outstanding contributions to the
state of Berlin
, 454 ''(as of 1 October 2018}''
, -{, class="wikitable" width="100%"
,
![DEU Verdienstorden des Landes Brandenburg](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1b/DEU_Verdienstorden_des_Landes_Brandenburg.jpg)
![DE-BB Der Verdienstorden des Landes Brandenburg BAR](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/82/DE-BB_Der_Verdienstorden_des_Landes_Brandenburg_BAR.png)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Order of Merit of Brandenburg
''Verdienstorden des Landes Brandenburg''
,
10 July 2003
, Highest civic recognition that the
State of Brandenburg
Brandenburg (; nds, Brannenborg; dsb, Bramborska ) is a state in the northeast of Germany bordering the states of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Saxony, as well as the country of Poland. With an area of 29,480 square ...
can present for extraordinary services to the state and its people.
, 108
, -{, class="wikitable" width="100%"
,
![DEU Hessischer Verdienstordens](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/85/DEU_Hessischer_Verdienstordens.jpg)
![DE-HE Der Hessische Verdienstorden BAR](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/99/DE-HE_Der_Hessische_Verdienstorden_BAR.png)
![DE-HE Der Hessische Verdienstorden am bande BAR](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/eb/DE-HE_Der_Hessische_Verdienstorden_am_bande_BAR.png)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Hessian Order of Merit
''Hessischer Verdienstorden''
,
1 December 1989
, Outstanding contributions to
Hesse, without regard to residence or citizenship.
, 430
, -{, class="wikitable" width="100%"
,
![Verdienstorden Mecklenburg-Vorpommern](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ed/Verdienstorden_Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.jpg)
![DE-MV Der Verdienstorden des Landes Mecklenburg-Vorpommern BAR](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ef/DE-MV_Der_Verdienstorden_des_Landes_Mecklenburg-Vorpommern_BAR.png)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Order of Merit of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
''Verdienstorden des Landes Mecklenburg-Vorpommern''
,
23 April 2001
, Exceptional performance over a long period of time, or an extraordinary individual performance for the benefit of
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
, 60 ''(as of 2020)''
, -{, class="wikitable" width="100%"
,
![Niedersächsischer Verdienstorden Verdienstkreuz am Bande](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/Nieders%C3%A4chsischer_Verdienstorden_Verdienstkreuz_am_Bande.jpg)
![DE-NI Der Niedersächsische Großes Verdienstorden BAR](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6a/DE-NI_Der_Nieders%C3%A4chsische_Gro%C3%9Fes_Verdienstorden_BAR.png)
![DE-NI Der Niedersächsische Verdienstorden 1](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/57/DE-NI_Der_Nieders%C3%A4chsische_Verdienstorden_1._Klasse_BAR.png)
![DE-NI Der Niedersächsische Verdienstorden am bande BAR](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0a/DE-NI_Der_Nieders%C3%A4chsische_Verdienstorden_am_bande_BAR.png)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Lower Saxony Order of Merit
''Niedersächsischer Verdienstorden''
,
27 March 1961
, Outstanding selfless commitment to the development of
Lower Saxony and its culture.
, 342 Grand Cross
737 Cross of Merit
1272 Cross of Merit on Ribbon ''(as of 2013)''
, -{, class="wikitable" width="100%"
,
![Verdienstorden des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/83/Verdienstorden_des_Landes_Nordrhein-Westfalen.jpg)
![DE-NW Der Verdienstorden des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen 25mm Bandschnalle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2e/DE-NW_Der_Verdienstorden_des_Landes_Nordrhein-Westfalen_25mm_Bandschnalle.png)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Order of Merit of North Rhine-Westphalia
The Order of Merit of North Rhine-Westphalia (german: Verdienstorden des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen) is a civil order of merit, of the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia. The Order of Merit of North Rhine-Westphalia was founded on 11 March 1 ...
''Verdienstorden des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen''
,
11 March 1986
, Extraordinary contributions to the people and state of
North Rhine-Westphalia.
,
, -{, class="wikitable" width="100%"
,
![Verdienstorden des Landes Rheinland-Pfalz](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/73/Verdienstorden_des_Landes_Rheinland-Pfalz.png)
![DE-RP Der Verdienstorden des Landes Rheinland-Pfalz 25mm Bandschnalle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2a/DE-RP_Der_Verdienstorden_des_Landes_Rheinland-Pfalz_25mm_Bandschnalle.png)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Order of Merit of Rhineland-Palatinate
''Verdienstorden des Landes Rheinland-Pfalz''
,
2 October 1981
, Outstanding service to the state and people of
Rhineland-Palatinate.
, 1035
, -{, class="wikitable" width="100%"
,
![Goebo Saarlaendischer Verdienst Orden freigeschnitten](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a3/Goebo_Saarlaendischer_Verdienst_Orden_freigeschnitten.jpg)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Saarland Order of Merit
The Saarland Order of Merit (german: Saarländischer Verdienstorden) is the highest award of the German State of Saarland. Established on 10 December 1974, the order is presented in recognition for outstanding service to Saarland by the Minister ...
''Saarländischer Verdienstorden''
,
10 December 1974
, Ouutstanding service to
Saarland.
, 367
, -{, class="wikitable" width="100%"
,
![Der Sächsischer Verdienstorden - Avers](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/Der_S%C3%A4chsischer_Verdienstorden_-_Avers.png)
![DE-SAX Der Verdienstorden des Freistaates Sachsen BAR](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0e/DE-SAX_Der_Verdienstorden_des_Freistaates_Sachsen_BAR.png)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Order of Merit of the Free State of Saxony
''Sächsischer Verdienstorden''
,
27 October 1997
, Outstanding contributions to the people and state of
Saxony.
, 363
, -{, class="wikitable" width="100%"
,
![Der Verdienstorden des Landes Sachsen-Anhalt](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Der_Verdienstorden_des_Landes_Sachsen-Anhalt.png)
![DE-SN Der Verdienstorden des Landes Sachsen-Anhalt BAR](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f4/DE-SN_Der_Verdienstorden_des_Landes_Sachsen-Anhalt_BAR.png)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Order of Merit of Saxony-Anhalt
The Order of Merit of Saxony-Anhalt (german: Verdienstorden des Landes Sachsen-Anhalt) is the highest award of the German State of Saxony-Anhalt. Established 23 May 2006, the order is presented by the Minister-President of Saxony-Anhalt. The tot ...
''Verdienstorden des Landes Sachsen-Anhalt''
,
23 May 2006
, Exceptional performance over a longer period of time or an extraordinary individual performance for
Saxony-Anhalt and its citizens.
, 18
, -{, class="wikitable" width="100%"
,
![Orde van Verdienste van Sleeswijk-Holstein](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1f/Orde_van_Verdienste_van_Sleeswijk-Holstein.gif)
![DE-SH Der Verdienstorden des Landes Schleswig-Holstein 25mm Bandschnalle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d1/DE-SH_Der_Verdienstorden_des_Landes_Schleswig-Holstein_25mm_Bandschnalle.png)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Order of Merit of Schleswig-Holstein
''Verdienstorden des Landes Schleswig-Holstein''
,
26 February 2008
, Outstanding service to
Schleswig-Holstein.
,
, -{, class="wikitable" width="100%"
,
![Thvo](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/Thvo.jpg)
![DE-TH Der Verdienstorden des Freistaats Thüringen 25mm bandschnalle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1b/DE-TH_Der_Verdienstorden_des_Freistaats_Th%C3%BCringen_25mm_bandschnalle.png)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Order of Merit of the Free State of Thuringia
The Order of Merit of the Free State of Thuringia (german: Verdienstorden des Freistaats Thüringen) is the highest order which is bestowed by the Free State of Thuringia. The number of living holders of the order is limited to 300 persons.
Notab ...
''Verdienstorden des Freistaats Thüringen''
,
19 September 2000
, Outstanding service to
Thuringia.
, 97
Awards of the Federal Ministry of the Interior
These awards and decorations are awarded by the
Minister of Interior
An interior minister (sometimes called a minister of internal affairs or minister of home affairs) is a Cabinet (government), cabinet official position that is responsible for internal affairs, such as public security, civil registration and iden ...
to members of the
Bundeswehr,
Bundespolizei,
Technisches Hilfswerk.
{, class="wikitable" width="100%"
, width="25%" , Badge and ribbon
, width="20%" , Name (
English/''
German
German(s) may refer to:
* Germany (of or related to)
**Germania (historical use)
* Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language
** For citizens of Germany, see also German nationality law
**Ger ...
'')
, width="15%" , Creation date – cessation date
, width="25%" , Description
, width="15%" , Number awarded
, -
,
![German Flood Service Medal 2002 obverse and reverse](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/66/German_Flood_Service_Medal_2002_obverse_and_reverse.png)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
German Flood Service Medal 2002
''Einsatzmedaille Fluthilfe 2002''
, September 20, 2002
, for service during the
2002 European floods
In August 2002, a week of intense rainfall produced flooding across a large portion of Europe. It reached the Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Ukraine and Russia. The event killed 232 ...
to members of Technisches Hilfswerk, the Bundeswehr, the
Bundesgrenzschutz
Bundesgrenzschutz (BGS; en, Federal Border Guard) is the former name of the German ''Bundespolizei'' (Federal Police). Established on 16 March 1951 as a subordinate agency of the Federal Ministry of the Interior, the BGS originally was primari ...
, foreign armed forces, as well as civilians who assisted the aforementioned organizations
, ???
, -
,
, style="text-align:center;" ,
German Flood Service Medal 2013
''Einsatzmedaille Fluthilfe 2013''
, July 2, 2013
, for service during the
2013 European floods
Extreme flooding in Central Europe began after several days of heavy rain in late May and early June 2013. Flooding and damages primarily affected south and east German states (Thuringia, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Lower Saxony, Bavaria and Baden-WÃ ...
by members of the Bundeswehr, Bundespolizei, Technisches Hilfswerk, foreign armed forces, as well as civilians who provided assistance to the relief efforts of the federal agencies
, ???
, -
,
![THW Ehrenzeichen Gold](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/THW_Ehrenzeichen_Gold.png)
![THW Ehrenzeichen Silber](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/THW_Ehrenzeichen_Silber.png)
![TWH Ehrenzeichen Bronze](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/TWH_Ehrenzeichen_Bronze.png)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Decoration of the Federal Agency for Technical Relief
''Ehrenzeichen des Technischen Hilfswerks''
, September 2, 1975
, meritorious service in the field of
emergency management
Emergency management or disaster management is the managerial function charged with creating the framework within which communities reduce vulnerability to hazards and cope with disasters. Emergency management, despite its name, does not actuall ...
or
civil protection
, ???
Awards of the Federal Ministry of Defence
These Orders and decorations are all awarded to soldiers of Germany and its allies by the
Bundeswehr.
{, class="wikitable" width="100%"
, width="25%" , Badge and ribbon
, width="20%" , Name (
English/''
German
German(s) may refer to:
* Germany (of or related to)
**Germania (historical use)
* Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language
** For citizens of Germany, see also German nationality law
**Ger ...
'')
, width="15%" , Creation date – cessation date
, width="25%" , Description
, width="15%" , Number awarded
, -
,
![German Cross of Honour in Gold](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/10/German_Cross_of_Honour_in_Gold.jpg)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Cross of Honour for Bravery
''Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr für Tapferkeit''
, October 10, 2008
, for valor beyond the call of duty
, 30
, -
,
![German Cross of Honour in Gold special class in gold](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c1/German_Cross_of_Honour_in_Gold_special_class_in_gold.jpg)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Gold Cross of Honour for Outstanding Deeds ''Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr in Gold für besonders herausragende Taten''
, October 10, 2008
, for outstanding deeds at the risk of one's life
, ???
, -
,
![BWEhrenkreuzGold](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/da/BWEhrenkreuzGold.jpg)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Gold Cross of Honour
''Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr in Gold''
, October 29, 1980
, for exemplary and meritorious service over 20 years or exemplary achievements
, ???
, -
,
![Honour Cross 1st Class in silver](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0a/Honour_Cross_1st_Class_in_silver.jpg)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Silver Cross of Honour for Outstanding Deeds
''Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr in Silber für besonders herausragende Taten''
, October 10, 2008
, for outstanding deeds and extraordinary achievements
, ???
, -
,
![German Cross of Honour 2nd class in silver](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c0/German_Cross_of_Honour_2nd_class_in_silver.jpg)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Silver Cross of Honour
''Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr in Silber''
, October 29, 1980
, for exemplary and meritious service over 10 years or exemplary achievements
, ???
, -
,
![German Cross of Honour in bronze](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5e/German_Cross_of_Honour_in_bronze.jpg)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Bronze Cross of Honour
''Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr in Bronze''
, October 29, 1980
, or exemplary and meritious service over 5 years or exemplary achievements
, ???
, -
,
![Ehrenmedaille der Bundeswehr](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e4/Ehrenmedaille_der_Bundeswehr.jpg)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Honor Medal of the Bundeswehr
''Ehrenmedaille der Bundeswehr''
, October 29, 1980
, for exemplary service and meritorious service over 7 months or exemplary achievements
, ???
, -
,
![BW Einsatz GEFECHT](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/BW_Einsatz_GEFECHT.jpg)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Combat Action Medal
The Combat Action Medal (CAM) is a decoration of the United States Air Force and United States Space Force to recognize airmen and guardians for active participation in ground or air combat.
The CAM was first awarded on June 12, 2007 as the Air ...
''Einsatzmedaille Gefecht''
, November 2010
, for active participation in ground or surface combat or suffering from terrorist or military violence with exposure to a high personal risk
, 5,845
, -
,
![BW Einsatz ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2a/BW_Einsatz_ACTIVE_ENDEAVOUR.jpg)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Deployment Medal ''Einsatzmedaille der Bundeswehr''
, April 25, 1996
, for military service in a designated military campaign or operation
, 317,394 bronze
13,730 silver
1,398 gold
(as of March 2019)
Denazified decorations after 1957
These awards were reintroduced in 1957 after they had been denazified.
{, class="wikitable" width="100%"
, width="25%" , Badge and ribbon
, width="20%" , Name (
English/''
German
German(s) may refer to:
* Germany (of or related to)
**Germania (historical use)
* Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language
** For citizens of Germany, see also German nationality law
**Ger ...
'')
, width="20%" , Creation date – cessation date
, width="25%" , Description
, width="10%" , Number awarded
, -
,
![Iron Crosses denazified 1957 - kopia (2)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/17/Iron_Crosses_denazified_1957_-_kopia_%282%29.jpg)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords''Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern''
, 1 September 1939 – 8 May 1945
, For continuous bravery before the enemy or excellence in commanding troops after being awarded all preceding classes of the Knight's Cross/Iron Cross.
, 160
, -
,
![Iron Crosses denazified 1957 - kopia (3)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c4/Iron_Crosses_denazified_1957_-_kopia_%283%29.jpg)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Iron Cross (1st Class)''Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse''
, 1 September 1939 – 8 May 1945
, For continuous bravery before the enemy or excellence in commanding troops after being awarded the Iron Cross 2nd class.
, c. 300,000
, -
,
![Iron Crosses denazified 1957 - kopia (3) - kopia](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e4/Iron_Crosses_denazified_1957_-_kopia_%283%29_-_kopia.jpg)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Iron Cross (2nd Class)''Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse''
, 1 September 1939 – 8 May 1945
, For bravery before the enemy or excellence in commanding troops.
, c. 4,500,000
, -
,
![Iron Crosses denazified 1957 - kopia (5) - kopia](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/63/Iron_Crosses_denazified_1957_-_kopia_%285%29_-_kopia.jpg)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
1939 Clasp to the Iron Cross''Spange zum Eisernen Kreuz''
, 1 September 1939 – 8 May 1945
, An award of the Iron Cross, 1st or 2nd class for those who had already received the decoration in World War I.
, 100,000+
, -
,
![German cross - kopia](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/86/German_cross_-_kopia.jpg)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
German Cross in Gold''Kriegsorden des Deutschen Kreuzes'' in Gold
, 28 September 1941 – 8 May 1945
, For continuous bravery before the enemy or excellence in commanding troops (not justifying the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross but having already been awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class)
, 24,204
, -
,
![German cross - kopia (2)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7b/German_cross_-_kopia_%282%29.jpg)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
German Cross in Silver''Kriegsorden des Deutschen Kreuzes in Silber''
, 28 September 1941 – 8 May 1945
, For significant performances in aiding the military war effort. (Not justifying the Knight's Cross of either the Iron Cross or the
War Merit Cross
The War Merit Cross (german: Kriegsverdienstkreuz) was a state decoration of Nazi Germany during World War II. By the end of the conflict it was issued in four degrees and had an equivalent civil award. A " de-Nazified" version of the War Merit ...
but having already been awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class or War Merit Cross 1st Class)
, 1,115
, -
,
![War merit cross in gold 1957](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/52/War_merit_cross_in_gold_1957.jpg)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Golden Knights Cross of the War Merit Cross''Goldenes Ritterkreuz des Kriegsverdienstkreuz''
, 13 October 1944 – 8 May 1945
, Awarded with and without swords.
For outstanding contributions to the war effort.
, 2
, -
,
![War Merit Cross, Knights Cross Silver](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f6/War_Merit_Cross%2C_Knights_Cross_Silver.jpg)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Knights Cross of the War Merit Cross''Ritterkreuz des Kriegsverdienstkreuz''
, 19 August 1940 – 8 May 1945
, Awarded with and without swords.
For meritorious contributions to the war effort after being awarded all preceding classes of the War Merit Cross.
, c. 250
, -
,
![War merit cross](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d4/War_Merit_Cross.jpg)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
War Merit Cross
The War Merit Cross (german: Kriegsverdienstkreuz) was a state decoration of Nazi Germany during World War II. By the end of the conflict it was issued in four degrees and had an equivalent civil award. A " de-Nazified" version of the War Merit ...
(1st Class)
''Kriegsverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse''
, 18 October 1939 – 8 May 1945
, Awarded with and without swords.
For meritorious contributions to the war effort after being awarded the War Merit Cross, 2nd class.
, c. 480,000 with swords
c. 90,000 without swords
, -
,
![War merit cross 2nd class](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c2/War_merit_cross_2nd_class.jpg)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
War Merit Cross
The War Merit Cross (german: Kriegsverdienstkreuz) was a state decoration of Nazi Germany during World War II. By the end of the conflict it was issued in four degrees and had an equivalent civil award. A " de-Nazified" version of the War Merit ...
(2nd Class)
''Kriegsverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse''
, 18 October 1939 – 8 May 1945
, Awarded with and without swords.
For meritorious contributions to the war effort.
, c. 6,100,000 with swords
c. 1,500,000 without swords
, -
,
![Wound Badge](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7d/Wound_Badge.jpg)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Wound Badge
''Verwundetenabzeichen''
, 3 March 1918 – 11 November 1918
1 September 1939 – 8 May 1945
, Wounds whilst in activ service
, c. 1,000,000 during ww1 c. 5,000,000 during ww2
Old royal orders recognized by the state
{, class="wikitable" width="100%"
, width="25%" , Badge and ribbon
, width="20%" , Name (
English/''
German
German(s) may refer to:
* Germany (of or related to)
**Germania (historical use)
* Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language
** For citizens of Germany, see also German nationality law
**Ger ...
'')
, width="15%" , Creation date – cessation date
, width="25%" , Description
, width="15%" , Number awarded
, -
,
![Black Eagle Order star](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/Black_Eagle_Order_star.jpg)
, style="text-align:center;" ,
Order of the Black Eagle
''Schwarzer Adlerorden''
,
1701 - 1918 (State Order)
1918 - Now (House Order)
, Members of ruling houses, senior civil and military officials and other worthy figures appointed by the King of Prussia.
, 407 (as of 1918)
, -{, class="wikitable" width="100%"
,
, style="text-align:center;" ,
House Order of Hohenzollern
''Hausorden von Hohenzollern''
,
???
, ???
, ???
See also
*
Orders, decorations, and medals of the German states
*
Awards and decorations of the German Armed Forces
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Order Of Merit Of The Federal Republic Of Germany
1951 establishments in West Germany
Awards established in 1951
Civil awards and decorations of Germany
Orders, decorations, and medals of Germany
Merit Of The Federal Republic Of Germany, Order of
Orders of merit