- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Institution: 01 November 1953
- Country: Germany (GDR DDR German Democratic Republic)
The Meritorious Activist (or Verdienter Aktivist in German) was a state award of the German Democratic Republic or GDR, conferred accompanied by a certificate and a wearable medal.
Initially established in 1950, this honorary title was incorporated into the “Order of Awards in the Activist and Competition Movement” in 1953.
This award could be granted to workers and employees who met the following criteria:
- Consistently exceeded technical standards over six months.
- Produced work of exceptional quality.
- Achieved significant savings in materials, energy, and auxiliary substances.
- Organized activist schools to teach advanced working methods to underperforming colleagues.
- Actively contributed to the improvement of production techniques, technology, and work organization.
- Participated in the development of occupational safety and security measures.
The honorary title was awarded annually on October 13th.
The Honored Activist Medal Design
The medal was made of metal and gold-plated. it is round and has a diameter of approximately 35 mm, fitting the standard size for many GDR awards.
The central motif featured the GDR state emblem, which included a hammer and compass surrounded by a wreath of grain, symbolizing the unity of workers and farmers.
Around the central emblem, there was an inscription that read “VERDIENTER AKTIVIST” (Meritorious Activist), emphasizing the purpose of the award.
