The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (or Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland ni German) was created by the first President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Theodor Heuss, on 7 September 1951, and has been awarded to over 200,000 individuals in total, both Germans and foreigners. It’s the only federal decoration of Germany.
The creation decree, which was co-signed by the President Heuss and Chancellor Konrad Adenauer as well as the Minister of the Interior, Robert Lehr, signed, states: “Desiring to visibly express recognition and gratitude to deserving men and women of the German people and of foreign countries, on the second Anniversary of the Federal Republic of Germany, I establish the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. It is awarded for achievements that served the rebuilding of the country in the fields of political, socio-economic and intellectual activity, and is intended to mean an award of all those whose work contributes to the peaceful rise of the Federal Republic of Germany.”
The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany Design
Except for the lowest class, the badge is the same for all classes, with slightly different versions for men and women (the badge and ribbon are smaller for women): The badge’s obverse is a golden cross enameled in red, with a central disc bearing a black eagle. The star is a golden star with straight rays, its size and points vary according to class, with the badge superimposed upon it.
