Information on flag displays

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.

Flags touching the ground

The flag should always be handled with respect to preserve its dignity as a symbol of the state. It should not be allowed to touch the ground when being hoisted or lowered, and it should certainly never rest permanently on the ground. In Germany, the flag is usually not folded until after the ceremony of lowering the flag. If only one person is lowering the flag, the flag should be loosely draped over the arm or shoulder while it is being lowered.

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.