The German expression “aus etwas (k)einen Staatakt machen” – “(don’t) make a state occasion [= big deal] out of something” – illustrates the significance commonly attributed to such events. They are associated with an elaborate ceremony, a representative setting and the presence of prominent individuals and public figures.

The form and distinctive features have changed dramatically over the years, from the pomp and circumstance of centuries past to the simple and unpretentious republican events of our time.

Today state occasions are an expression of the highest honour given to events or individuals by the highest representatives of the nation. Like special celebrations in the private sphere, in this case it is the state that organizes a festive event, thus lending the occasion a special political significance.

The presence at state occasions of representatives of the federal constitutional bodies lends such occasions the quality of a political manifestation and statement of will.

The chosen form, organization and conduct of a state occasion – its ceremony – are designed to make the event meaningful, emotional and rational while enabling citizens to share in the experience. Today, the following elements have come to figure prominently in the ceremony of a state occasion: display of state symbols (flags, coat of arms), attendance of a select group of invited guests, priority seating of the representatives of the constitutional bodies, musical accompaniment, address by the head of state (and by additional speakers as appropriate), the playing of the national anthem and a formal setting.

Nevertheless, the ceremony itself is relatively modest in the Federal Republic of Germany. Far more frequent than the state occasions marking important events are the state occasions ordered by the Federal President to honour public figures. Although this is the only person at federal level who has the authority to bestow the honour of a state occasion, an official mourning ceremony or a state funeral, other constitutional bodies are consulted as well.

The Federal Republic of Germany does not have the institution of state mourning: In many countries, state mourning means that public life comes to a halt for several days, public events are postponed and businesses are closed. Not least because of Germany's federal system, it is impossible for the Federation to order the state and local governments to participate in this form of official mourning.