Who is authorised to use the federal flag and the federal institutions flag?
Frequently asked
The federal flag (without federal shield) may in principle be used by anyone at any time and anywhere. This right is restricted by section 90a of Germany’s Criminal Code (StGB) which prohibits the denigration of state symbols.
The federal institutions flag (with federal shield) may be used only by federal institutions.
While the flag may not be used on commercial goods and services without approval (section 145 (1) (1) of the Trademark Act), the federal colours may be used for commercial purposes provided they are not represented as a flag.