This is an authentic official state flag of the German Democratic Republic (GDR), commonly known as East Germany...or in German, the DDR (Deutsche Demokratische Republik). This specific version featuring the central coat of arms was officially adopted on October 1, 1959, and remained in use until German reunification in 1990.
This is a vertical banner version, designed to hang vertically from a top crossbar or line rather than flying horizontally from a standard flagpole.
Unlike many other Eastern Bloc and communist symbols of the era, the East German emblem is historically unique because it completely excludes a red star and explicitly elevates the intellectual class alongside standard laborers.
Description:
It uses the traditional German black, red, and gold tricolor base. The central insignia represents a socialist alliance between three distinct social classes:
Hammer - Symbolizes the industrial workers and factory labor.
Compass - Symbolizes the intelligentsia, scientists, and academic professionals.
Rye - Symbolizes the farmers and agricultural community.
Measurements (approximate):
74”H x 44”W
History:
From 1949 to 1959, both East and West Germany used the exact same plain black, red, and gold tricolor. To clearly differentiate itself during the heights of the Cold War, East Germany officially added its communist-inspired national emblem to the center of the flag on 1 October 1959. The flag was used until German reunification on October 3, 1990.
