Information on flag displays
Article Flag Displays
Helpful tips in our photo galleries
It’s easy to make mistakes when displaying flags – flying the wrong flag, or flying the right flag the wrong way. In our photo galleries, we explain the correct way to display the flag and how to avoid mistakes.
A closer look ...
The European flag (Part 1)
In the photo at far left, the European flag is properly hoisted. The flag on the right in the same photo, however, is upside down, as you can see from the stars. The flag in the photo below does not conform to official requirements: The top points of the five upper stars point upwards, while those of the seven lower stars point downwards. In the third photo, the stars are positioned correctly, but the appliqué on the vertical flag makes it look as though the stars are surrounded by a dark ring.
Common mistakes
Banner flags at half-mast (Part 1)
Flags in banner format are not flown at half-mast. If flags cannot be flown at half-mast, they should bear black crepe streamers (Section V (4) of the Federal Government Decree concerning flag displays at federal buildings). Black crepe streamers serve as a symbol of falling tears. Such streamers must be clearly recognizable and in proportion to the flag’s format.
Simple black bands, ideally made from the same material as the flag, are used as streamers. For banners, black crepe streamers are usually tied to each end of the cross-bar. As a symbol of falling tears, the ends of the streamer may hang at different lengths.
Information for indivuals and businesses
Federal flags displayed on homes and cars
Private displays of the federal flag (black-red-gold, no eagle) are provided for in the Basic Law and constitutionally protected under Articles 2 and 5. Individuals are allowed to display the federal flag, as long as they show proper respect for it as a state symbol. Apart from Section 1 (1) of the Flag Act of 8 February 1951 (Federal Law Gazette I, p. 79) as promulgated on 26 October 1994 (Federal Law Gazette I, p. 3140) stating that all merchant ships and ocean-going vessels in German ownership and registered in the territory in which the Basic Law applies, citizens are not required to display the flag and are not subject to regulations on how to display the federal flag.
Whether permanent flag displays on house façades, windows or on cars are in fact appropriate, however, must be decided in the individual case.
