Types of flag displays
Article Flag Displays
Surely, an outdoor flag display refers to flags displayed outside, while an indoor display refers to one inside a building. But what else does one need to know about such displays? And what about flag displays as a sign of mourning?
Outdoor flags
What are the rules for outdoor flag displays? For instance, what is the order of display for multiple flags?
Order of display
Section V (2) of the Federal Government Decree concerning flag displays at federal buildings governs the order of display for multiple flags.
In this context, one speaks of the positions of honour, which are on the left when facing the flags from outside the grounds, installation or facility. In principle, the European flag and the federal (institutional) flags are to be displayed in these positions of honour.
Source: Protokoll Inland
UN, NATO, EU, Federation, state and municipality flags (Larger version opens in new window)
Indoor flags
What rules should one follow when displaying flags indoors? Do these rules differ from those for the display of flags outdoors? What are the rules for bilateral press conferences?
Size of flags (Part 1)
If several flags are displayed at one building, they should all be the same size (Section V (3) second sentence of the Federal Government Decree concerning flag displays at federal buildings). In the same way, flags displayed indoors should be in proportion to the space and its use.
In this large, high-ceilinged conference room in Dresden, standing flags would have been difficult to see and would not have served their decorative purpose. Instead, the flags were hung at different heights, creating a major visual impact. The flags are hung in alphabetical order of the names of the member states in their own official languages.
Mourning
This section provides useful information regarding flag displays and the use of streamers as a sign of mourning
Half-mast flag display at the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community
If the federal institutions flag or the federal flag is to be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning, the European flag must also be flown at half-mast. The flags should first be hoisted to the peak and then immediately lowered to the half-mast position (Section V (4) of the Federal Government Decree concerning flag displays at federal buildings).
The lower edge of the flag should be positioned one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the flagpole. At the end of the mourning period, the flag should again be raised to the peak before it is lowered. Flags flown at half-mast should not bear black crepe streamers.
Flags in banner format are not flown at half-mast but instead bear black crepe streamers.
