Medals from the Democratic Republic of Germany
Explore awards, badges, and military medals from the GDG/DDR/East Germany
The German Democratic Republic (GDR), also known as East Germany, was a socialist state that existed from 1949 to 1990 in the eastern part of Germany during the Cold War. The German Democratic Republic established a variety of medals and decorations to recognize achievements and service in various fields such as military, civil service, labor, and social contributions. On this page, you will find the complete list.
A (Very) Brief History of The GDR
The GDR was established on October 7, 1949, in the Soviet-occupied zone of post-World War II Germany, following the creation of the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) in the western zones. The division of Germany into East and West was a result of geopolitical tensions between the Soviet Union and the Western Allies (the United States, the United Kingdom, and France).
The GDR was a one-party state governed by the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (or SED). The party maintained strict control over the government, economy, and society. Key leaders included Walter Ulbricht (1950-1971), Erich Honecker (1971-1989), and Egon Krenz (1989).
All The Democratic Republic of Germany Medals
In the German Democratic Republic (GDR), medals and decorations played a significant role in recognizing various forms of service and achievements. The highest honor was the Order of Karl Marx, named after the influential socialist philosopher. This medal was awarded for exceptional contributions to the state and society, often to prominent political leaders and influential figures in the arts, sciences, and industry.
Another distinguished award was the Hero of the German Democratic Republic, which recognized extraordinary heroism or outstanding achievements in service to the state. Recipients were typically those who made significant contributions to the GDR’s military or societal progress. For military personnel, the Scharnhorst Order was a prominent decoration, named after the Prussian General Gerhard von Scharnhorst. It was awarded for exemplary service and leadership within the National People’s Army.
The GDR also had a series of labor and social awards, reflecting the socialist state’s emphasis on work and community contributions. The Banner of Labor was a notable example, awarded to individuals, collectives, and enterprises for exceptional achievements in productivity and socialist competition. Additionally, the GDR recognized contributions to education, health, and culture. Teachers, doctors, artists, and scientists could receive various medals and orders, such as the Patriotic Order of Merit, which came in different classes to honor varying degrees of achievement.
Honorary Titles of the GDR
The German Democratic Republic (GDR) conferred various honorary titles to recognize exceptional contributions in different sectors such as arts, science, literature, and public service. One notable title was Hero of the GDR (Held der DDR), awarded for extraordinary heroism or achievements that significantly advanced the state’s socialist agenda.
The Honored Doctor of the People Medal
The Honored Activist Medal was a state award of the GDR conferred as an honorary title and granted to workers and employees.
The Honored Activist Medal
The Honored Activist Medal was a state award of the GDR conferred as an honorary title and granted to workers and employees.
The Honored Member of the Civil Defense Medal
The Honored Member of the Civil Defense Medal was established in 1977 and was awarded for in increasing operational readiness.
The Honored Member of the Border Troops Medal
The Honored Member of the Border Troops Medal was established in 1975 and awarded in a single class for outstanding achievements and merit.
The Honored Member of the National People’s Army Medal
The Honored Member of the National People’s Army Medal was established in 1976 and awarded for outstanding achievements and merit.
The Honored People’s Policeman Medal
The Honored People’s Policeman Medal was instituted on 15 June 1966 and was awarded for achievements and commitment to the GDR.
The Meritorious Military Pilot of the German Democratic Republic
The Meritorious Military Pilot of the German Democratic Republic was the highest title awarded by the RDG to military pilots.
The Meritorious Member of State Security Medal
The Member of State Security Medal was established in 1969 and awarded for outstanding contributions to the protection of the state.
The Hero of Labor (DDR)
The Hero of Labor was created by the German Democratic Republic and awarded for for supporting the socialist economy.
The Hero of the German Democratic Republic
The Hero of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) was an Honorary Title awarded by the East German state and its most prestigious award.
State Orders of the GDR
State orders in the German Democratic Republic were prestigious awards granted to individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions to the nation. The highest state order was the Order of Karl Marx, established in 1953 and awarded for exceptional service in promoting socialism.
The Combat Order of Merit for the People and the Fatherland
The Combat Order of Merit for the People and the Fatherland was awarded to honor outstanding achievements in enhancing combat.
The Scharnhorst Order
The Scharnhorst Order was the highest award for members of the East German National People’s Army (NVA). It was created in 1966.
The Blücher Order
The Blücher Order was established in 1965 and supposed to be awarded to NVA soldiers as a valor award in a time of war.
The Star of People’s Friendship
The Star of People’s Friendship was established 20 August 1959 and awarded for exceptional merit towards friendship between nations.
The Banner of Labor (DDR)
The Banner of Labor was established in 1954 and awarded for excellent and long-standing service in strengthening and consolidating the GDR.
The Patriotic Order of Merit (DDR)
The Patriotic Order of Merit was a national GDR award established in 1954 and awarded for special services to the state and to society.
The Order of Karl Marx
The Honored Activist Medal was a state award of the GDR conferred as an honorary title and granted to workers and employees.
Military Decorations of the GDR
Military decorations in the GDR were designed to honor the service and achievements of its armed forces personnel. The Scharnhorst Order, named after the Prussian military reformer, was one of the highest military honors, awarded for exemplary leadership and service in the National People’s Army. The Medal for Faithful Service in the National People’s Army recognized long-term service, with different levels for five, ten, fifteen, twenty, and twenty-five years of service
The Decoration of the German People’s Police
The Scharnhorst Order was the highest award for members of the East German National People’s Army (NVA). It was created in 1966.
The Decoration of Honor for Excellent Performance in Fire Protection
The Decoration of Honor for Excellent Performance in Fire Protection was established in 1983 and awarded for exemplary fire protection.
The Medal for Exemplary Border Service DDR
The Medal for Exemplary Border Service was established to honor the service of border guards who demonstrated exceptional dedication.
The Medal for Excellence in the Armed Organs of the Interior Ministry
The Medal for Excellence in the Armed Organs of the Interior Ministry was a prestigious award in the GDR for members of the armed organs.
The Medal for Excellent Performance in the Fighting Groups of the Working Class
The Medal for Excellent Performance in the Fighting Groups of the Working Class was a significant award in the GDR.
The Medal of Merit in Fire Protection
The Medal of Merit in Fire Protection was awarded for outstanding achievements and personal bravery in fire protection duties.
The Medal of Merit of the National People’s Army
The Medal of Merit of the National People’s Army was instituted in 1956 and was awarded for exceptional service of members of the NVA.
The Medal of Merit of Organs of the Ministry of the Interior
Medal of Merit of Organs of the Ministry of the Interior was established in 1966 for the members of various armed and security organs.
The Medal of Merit of the Border Troops of the GDR
The Medal of Merit of the Border Troops of the GDR was created to honor the members of the Border Troops who demonstrated exceptional service.
The Medal of Merit of the Combat Groups of the Working-Class
The Medal of Merit of the Combat Groups of the Working-Class was created to recognize the members of the groups for outstanding service.
The Medal of Merit of Civil Defense
The Medal of Merit of Civil Defense was established to honor individuals and units within the Civil Defense forces for outstanding service.
The Medal of Merit of the Customs Administration of the GDR
The Medal of Merit of the Customs Administration of the GDR was a distinguished award established to recognize exceptional service.
The Brotherhood in Arms Medal
The Brotherhood in Arms Medal was a prestigious award in the GDR, established to recognize and honor the solidarity and cooperation.
The Medal for Faithful Service in the Barracked People’s Police
This Medal for Faithful Service was a decoration instituted to recognize long-term, dedicated service in the Kasernierte Volkspolizei.
The Medal For Faithful Service in the National People’s Army
The Medal For Faithful Service in the National People’s Army was established to honor the long-term and dedicated service of personnel.
The Medal For Faithful Service in the Border Guards of the GDR
The Medal For Faithful Service in the Border Guards of the GDR was established to recognize the long-term service and loyalty of members.
The Medal for Faithful Service in the Civil Defense of the GDR
The Medal for Faithful Service in the Civil Defense was awarded for long-term dedication and exemplary service in civil defense efforts.
The Medal for Faithful Service in Militarized Organs of the Interior Ministry
The Medal for Faithful Service in Militarized Organs of the Interior Ministry recognized dedication and service in the militarized branches.
The Medal for Loyal Service in the Customs Administration of the GDR
The Medal for Loyal Service in the Customs Administration of the GDR was established to recognize the dedication of customs officials.
The Medal for Faithful Service in Fighting Groups of the Working Class
The Medal for Faithful Service in Fighting Groups of the Working Class was awarded to paramilitary units composed of workers of the GDR.
The Medal for Faithful Fulfillment of Duties in the Civil Defense of the GDR
The Medal for Faithful Fulfillment of Duties in the Civil Defense of the GDR honored individuals who demonstrated exceptional dedication.
Civilian Decorations of the GDR
The GDR also awarded numerous civilian decorations to recognize contributions to society, culture, and the economy. For instance, the Banner of Labor was a prominent civilian award given to individuals and collectives for significant achievements in production and innovation.
