GERMANY STATE-ENSIGN

The government flag of Germany is officially known as the Dienstflagge der Bundesbehörden or Bundesdienstflagge for short. Introduced in 1950, the government flag is the civil flag defaced with a badge known as the Bundesschild (federal badge).

The Bundesschild is a variant of the coat of arms of Germany, where the main differences are the illustration of the eagle and the shape of the shield. Public use of flags similar to the Bundesdienstflagge is tolerated and such flags are sometimes seen at international sporting events.