- Time Period: Nazi Germany (Interwars Period, World War II)
- Institution: 1929
- Country: Germany
The Hitler Youth Badge (or Das Hitler-Jugend-Abzeichen in German) was a political award in Nazi Germany, given for various levels of service to the Hitler Youth (Hitler Jugend). Initially created in 1929, formal regulations for its presentation were established from 1933. Several other awards for merit and proficiency were also introduced by the Hitler Youth.
Public display of all Nazi Party awards, including the Hitler Youth badge, was banned after 1945.
The Hitler Youth Badge Grades and Designs
Standard Hitler Youth Badge
This badge denoted membership, particularly for leaders, and could not be worn once the individual left the Hitler Youth. It featured a golden-framed rhomboid with a black swastika in a red and white field, edged in silver.
Golden Hitler Youth Badge
Authorized by Hitler on June 23, 1934, and established by National Youth Leader Baldur von Schirach, this badge recognized leadership, long service, or special achievements. It was awarded to those who joined before October 2, 1932, and completed five years of continuous service. It resembled the standard badge but was edged in gold and could be worn indefinitely, even after leaving the Hitler Youth.
Golden Hitler Youth Badge with Oak Leaves
Instituted in 1935, this badge recognized exceptional services to the Hitler Youth and was awarded to about 250 individuals. It had a higher workmanship and was framed with a narrow border of oak leaves.
Other Hitler Youth Badges
The variety of Hitler Youth badges arose from the organization’s desire to recognize different levels of achievement, service, and merit among its members. These included:
The Hitler Youth Leader’s Sports Badge
The Hitler Youth Leader’s Sports Badge was designed to recognize those in the Hitler Youth and Jungvolk who excelled in an annual fitness test.
The Hitler Youth Proficiency Badge
The Hitler Youth Proficiency Badge was established to recognize members for proficiency in athletics, field craft, and political knowledge.
The Hitler Youth Shooting Badge
The Hitler Youth Shooting Badge was awarded in three grades to recognize proficiency in marksmanship within the Hitler Youth.
The Hitler Youth Badge for Distinguished Foreigners
The Hitler Youth Badge for Distinguished Foreigners was a special honor authorized in 1941 and specifically designed for non-German citizens.