# flag of Germany

> national flag of the Federal Republic of Germany

**Wikidata**: [Q48160](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q48160)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Germany)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/flag-of-germany

## Summary
The flag of Germany, also known as the black-red-gold flag, is the national flag of the Federal Republic of Germany. It features three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and gold (bottom) and has been in use since 1949, with historical roots dating to 1848 and the Weimar Republic (1919–1933). It symbolizes national unity and democratic values.

## Key Facts
- **Aliases**: German flag, Germany flag.
- **Inception**: 1917 (formal adoption of the black-red-gold design).
- **Historical Use**: 
  - 1848: First adoption by German revolutionaries.
  - 1919–1933: Flag of the Weimar Republic.
  - 1949–present: Official flag of the Federal Republic of Germany.
- **Related Entities**: 
  - National flag (class).
  - Black-red-gold flag of Germany (Thing).
- **Sitelink Count**: 93 (Wikidata).
- **Wikipedia Title**: "Flag of Germany".
- **Origin**: Germany (country in Central Europe, established as the Federal Republic in 1949).

## FAQs
- **What are the colors of the German flag?**  
  The flag consists of three horizontal stripes: black (top), red, and gold (bottom). These colors have represented Germany since the 19th century.

- **When was the current flag officially adopted?**  
  The black-red-gold flag was readopted on May 23, 1949, with the establishment of the Federal Republic of Germany, following its use during the Weimar Republic (1919–1933).

- **What historical periods is the flag associated with?**  
  It symbolizes democratic governance in Germany, notably during the 1848 revolutions, the Weimar Republic, and the post-1949 Federal Republic.

- **How does the flag differ from historical German flags?**  
  It contrasts with the black-white-red flag of the German Empire (1871–1918) and the Nazi swastika flag (1933–1945), representing republican and democratic traditions.

## Why It Matters
The flag of Germany is a potent symbol of national identity and democratic continuity. Its black-red-gold design has been a rallying point for unity since the 1848 revolutions and was deliberately readopted in 1949 to distance the Federal Republic from Nazi symbolism. It reflects Germany’s commitment to democratic values and its historical struggles for self-determination, making it a unifying emblem both domestically and internationally.

## Notable For
- **Oldest Tricolor in Europe**: One of the earliest tricolor designs, first used in 1848.
- **Democratic Symbolism**: Represents Germany’s republican traditions, contrasting with monarchic and authoritarian regimes.
- **Post-WWII Rebirth**: Readopted in 1949 to signify a break from Nazi Germany and a return to democratic principles.
- **Cultural Recognition**: Globally recognized as a symbol of German culture, history, and statehood.

## Body

### History
- **1848 Revolutions**: The black-red-gold flag was first used by liberal revolutionaries advocating for a unified German state.
- **Weimar Republic (1919–1933)**: Adopted as the national flag after World War I, symbolizing the new democratic republic.
- **Nazi Era (1933–1945)**: Replaced by the swastika flag, which was banned in 1945.
- **1949 Adoption**: Reintroduced as the flag of the Federal Republic of Germany on May 23, 1949, emphasizing democratic continuity.

### Design Specifications
- **Colors**: Black, red, and gold, defined by the German Federal Government as Pantone 186 C (red) and Pantone 1375 C (gold).
- **Proportions**: The flag’s width-to-length ratio is typically 3:5, though variations exist for specific uses (e.g., naval ensigns).

### Related Entities
- **National Flag (Class)**: A sovereign symbol representing a country, distinct from regional or organizational flags.
- **Germany**: The flag’s origin and primary jurisdiction, with Germany’s modern inception dated to 1949 as the Federal Republic.

### Cultural and Political Significance
- **Unity and Democracy**: The flag embodies Germany’s historical aspirations for unity and its post-1945 dedication to democratic governance.
- **International Recognition**: Flown at government buildings, international events, and German embassies worldwide, reinforcing national identity.

### Legal Status
- **Protection**: The flag is protected under German law, with its design and usage regulated by the Federal Government.
- **Respect and Etiquette**: Guidelines dictate respectful handling, including prohibitions on defacement or misuse.

## References

1. [Source](https://styleguide.bundesregierung.de/Webs/SG/DE/Basiselemente/Farben/farben_node.html?__site=SG)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. BBC Things
4. Quora
5. Name Suggestion Index