德国国旗的来历(英文版)（The Origin and Meaning Behind the German Flag）

The Origin and Meaning Behind the German Flag

The History

Germany's flag is made up of three horizontal stripes: black, red, and gold. It is officially known as the Bundesflagge (federal flag) or Bundesdienstflagge (federal service flag). The earliest incarnation of the flag dates back to the early 19th century when German nationalists used black, red, and gold as the colours of the \"Free German Movement\". However, the colours were later banned by the German Confederation, in an attempt to suppress any kind of nationalist sentiment. During the short-lived German Revolution of 1918–1919, the flag was once again seen and waved by the demonstrators. It was finally adopted as the official flag of Germany in 1949, following the establishment of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The Colours

Each colour of the flag has its own significance. Black symbolises determination and disavowal of extremist strategies, common in German politics. Red represents the fight for freedom, which can be traced back to the times of the French Revolution. Finally, gold signifies both the solidity of the country's economy and its reputation, as well as its cultural heritage. Legend has it that the colours derive from the coat of arms of the Holy Roman Empire, which existed during medieval times.

The Political Context

The German flag is not only a national symbol but also a political one. After World War II, Germany was divided into two parts – the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) – each with its own political system and flag. West Germany's flag, the black-red-gold tricolour design, represented its status as a free and democratic state, aligned with the ideals of democracy and freedom. East Germany, on the other hand, used a flag with a hammer, compass, and a ring of stars, symbolising the importance of the working class and communism. Today, Germany's current design stands as a symbol of unity, representing the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990.