Flag types in Germany: hoisted flag, banner, portrait flag and more

In everyday German most people say “Deutschlandfahne”, and shops talk about Hissfahnen, Knatterfahnen and Bannerfahnen. The Federal Government, on the other hand, almost exclusively speaks of flags (Flaggen). Behind the terms are different forms that differ in how the cloth hangs on the pole. Which form suits which pole depends above all on the mechanics. And for the federal flag, a clear restriction applies in official use.

Flagge or Fahne?

Protokoll Inland explains the difference like this: a Flagge is a usually rectangular cloth with standardised dimensions that is raised on a pole or staff with a line and is not permanently attached to it. It can be exchanged at any time. A Fahne, on the other hand, is a cloth firmly and permanently attached to a staff, formerly with nails, and thus a portable individual piece.

The Basic Law, the Order on the German Flags and the flag decree therefore speak of the Bundesflagge (federal flag). Exceptions in official usage are the regimental colours (Truppenfahnen) of the Bundeswehr. In the trade and in everyday speech, “Fahne” and “Fahnenmast” are nevertheless the more common words.

Flag types at a glance

Hoisted flag

According to Protokoll Inland, the hoisted flag is the most common type of flag nationally and internationally. Its proportions are usually 2 to 3, as with the European flag, or 3 to 5, as with the federal flag. With horizontally striped flags, the stripes are described from top to bottom; with vertically striped flags, from the staff to the flying end.

Banner

With a banner, the cloth is firmly attached to a crossbar that is hoisted up the pole. The stripes of the federal flag then run vertically: black on the left, red in the middle and gold on the right, as the Order on the German Flags states. According to Protokoll Inland, banners are considerably taller than they are wide, often in the ratio 1 to 4. In mourning they are not lowered to half-mast but given a mourning ribbon.

Portrait, outrigger and hanging flags

The portrait flag, also called Knatterflagge, is a hoisted flag that is considerably taller than it is wide. Its proportions and the arrangement of the stripes are not fixed. The outrigger flag is a portrait flag additionally hung from a horizontal arm at the top; according to Protokoll Inland, it is therefore fully visible even in still air. The hanging flag hangs from a staff projecting horizontally from a house wall and is often confused with the banner.

Because the Order on the German Flags only describes the hoisted flag and the banner, these three forms are not permitted for the federal flag and the federal service flag in official use by the Federation, states and municipalities. Protokoll Inland remarks critically that with national flags, a “better look” is often put before respect for the state symbol. There is no equivalent rule for private individuals and businesses; portrait and outrigger flags are widespread for company flags with a logo.

Flagstaff, table flag and pennant

• Flagstaff: a staff attached horizontally or at an angle to a façade. Under the flag decree it is only used when a vertical pole is not possible, for example when an office only uses part of a building.
• Table flag: according to Protokoll Inland, usually 15 × 25 cm, or 20 × 20 cm if square.
• Car pennant (Stander): small flags on the wings of official vehicles. The Order on the German Flags sets out which office holders fly which pennant, from the Federal President to heads of federal authorities.

Federal flag, federal service flag and state flags

Besides their form, flags differ in their design. Anyone may use the black-red-gold federal flag. The federal service flag with the federal shield is reserved for federal bodies. The states also have state flags and state service flags. More about the colours and history in the guide to black-red-gold, and the matching dimensions in the guide to flag sizes.