Coat of Arms of Germany facts for kids
The coat of arms of Germany (in German, Wappen Deutschlands) is an important national symbol. It shows a powerful black eagle on a golden shield. This symbol is very old, even older than the flag of Germany with its black, red, and gold colors. The eagle has been a special symbol for a very long time, even dating back to ancient times. People saw the eagle as a sign of strength and courage.
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The German Eagle: A Symbol Through Time
The eagle has been a symbol in Germany for hundreds of years. It is one of the oldest national symbols in Europe. Its history goes back even further than the country of Germany itself.
Ancient Roots of the Eagle
Long ago, ancient Germanic tribes saw the eagle as a special bird. They believed it was connected to their god, Odin. The ancient Romans also thought the eagle was very important. They saw it as a symbol of their most powerful god and their emperors. It also stood for being unbeatable.
The Eagle in Medieval Times
Because of its strong meaning, the eagle became a popular symbol in the Middle Ages. It was used in many coats of arms and flags. This helped it become a lasting symbol for the lands that would later become Germany.
What the German Coat of Arms Looks Like
The coat of arms of Germany features a black eagle with its wings spread. Its beak and claws are red. The eagle is placed on a golden yellow shield.
Colors and Their Meaning
The colors of the coat of arms – black, red, and gold – are the same as the colors of the German flag. These colors have a deep meaning for the country. They represent unity, freedom, and the future of Germany.
The Eagle in Modern Germany
Today, the eagle is still the main symbol of Germany. You can see it on official buildings, documents, and coins. It reminds people of Germany's long history and its values.
Different Versions of the Eagle
Over time, the eagle's design has changed a little. Sometimes it was a single-headed eagle, and sometimes it had two heads. The current coat of arms uses a single-headed eagle. This design was officially adopted for the Federal Republic of Germany.
Images for kids
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An eagle displayed with sable beaked and membered gules, attributed imperial coat of arms of Henry VI, Holy Roman Emperor
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Germany's first national parliament meeting in Frankfurt. The double-headed eagle, now without the haloes of the Holy Roman Emperor's eagle, can be seen.
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Many of the traditional German Student Corps use varying forms of the black eagle as part of their coat of arms, such as the Corps Altsachsen in Dresden.
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Title page of the Constitution of the Weimar Republic, with Schwab's design of the coat of arms
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Coat of arms of the Holy Roman Empire with two putti (1540s manuscript)
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Imperial coat of arms (Römischer Kayserlicher und Königlicher Mayestät Wappen) from Siebmachers Wappenbuch (1605)
See also
In Spanish: Escudo de Alemania para niños
