Medals, Decorations, and Badges from Germany

German Military Medals & Awards from WW1, WW2 and More

Germany (today, officially called officially the Federal Republic of Germany) is the second-most populous country in Europe. Since classical antiquity, various Germanic tribes have inhabited the northern parts of the country. In the 10th century, German territories formed a central part of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1815, the German Confederation was formed following the Napoleonic Wars and the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1871, Germany became a nation-state, and after World War I and the German Revolution of 1918–1919, the Empire was replaced by the Weimar Republic.

The Nazi seizure of power in 1933 led to the establishment of a dictatorship. After the end of World War II and a period of Allied occupation, Germany was divided into the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). After the fall of communism and the German reunification, the country became a federal parliamentary republic.

Featured Germany & Third Reich Medals, Orders & Decorations

Germany has a long history of military organization and prowess, dating back to the Holy Roman Empire and various Germanic tribes. Medals and decorations were used to honor bravery, leadership, and military accomplishments, fostering a strong tradition of military honors. Below are some of the most renowned medals, orders, and decorations bestowed by Germany (you can keep scrolling to see all).

The Police Long Service Award (Nazi Germany)

The Police Long Service Award was a commendation given to active members of the German police during the Nazi era.

The Zeppelin Commemorative Badge

The Zeppelin Commemorative Badge is a badge established in 1920 by the Weimar Republic as a “Badge for Airshipmen.”

The Iron Cross (EK 1813)

The Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz) is a military decoration of the Kingdom of Prussia and later the German Empire and Nazi Germany.

Orden of Merit Pour le Mérite

The Pour le Mérite (“For Merit” in French) is an order of merit established in 1740 by King Frederick II of Prussia.

The Wound Badge (1918)

The Wound Badge (Verwundetenabzeichen) is a military decoration awarded to wounded or frostbitten soldiers during World War I.

German Medals from
The Pre-WW1 Period

Explore the historical significance of German medals from the Pre-World War era (or decorations of the German Empire, which encompasses those awards granted by the states that united under Prussian leadership to establish the German Empire in 1871), showcasing a legacy of honor and recognition before the upheavals of the 20th century. See related collections: Medals from the Kingdom of Prussia – Medals from the Austro-Hungarian Empire – Medals from the Kingdom of Bavaria

The Württemberg Charlotte Cross

The Württemberg Order of Olga

The Friedrich Order

The Württemberg Order of the Crown

The Order of Saint John (Bailiwick of Brandenburg)

The Ordre de la Sincérité - Margrave of Bayreuth (Germany)

The Ordre de la Sincérité (Order of Sincerity)

German Medals from
The Great War (WW1)

Germany played a central role in World War I, both in terms of its involvement and influence on the conflict’s progression. Germany was part of the Triple Alliance with Austria-Hungary and Italy, opposing the Triple Entente, which included France, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Germany fought a prolonged and brutal war on the Western Front, facing the French, British, and later American forces. The trench warfare resulted in significant casualties and a stalemate for much of the war. Delve into the medals and distinctions that honor the bravery and sacrifice of individuals during the turbulent years of World War I.