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A journey through history – from Rome to the modern republic
Introduction
When we look at the coat of arms of the German state (the Bundesadler), we see a black eagle with outstretched wings on a golden background.
This bird is not merely a decorative motif, but the oldest national symbol in Europe still in use today. It represents sovereignty, strength and freedom in modern Germany.
But why the eagle specifically? What is its connection to Germany? And what are the historical roots of its use?
In this article, we explain how the eagle became the official symbol of the Federal Republic of Germany and what meanings it carries.
1. Ancient roots – from Rome to the Holy Roman Empire
1. The eagle in ancient Rome
The eagle (Aquila) was the military symbol of the Roman Empire.
Every Roman legion carried a golden eagle as its standard, symbolising majesty, power and victory.
2. The Holy Roman Empire (962–1806)
With the establishment of the Holy Roman Empire under Otto I – a realm that included parts of today’s Germany, Austria and northern Italy –
the emperors adopted the ancient Roman symbol of the single-headed eagle.
Later, in the later Middle Ages, it evolved into a double-headed eagle, symbolising dual authority – spiritual and temporal.
Thus, from the Middle Ages onward, the eagle became a symbol of the dignity of the German imperial order and of its link to the Roman legacy.
2. From empire to the German nation state
1. The German Empire (1871–1918)
After German unification under Bismarck in 1871, the imperial eagle was adopted as the official state emblem.
The design was adapted to look more “German”: a black eagle on a golden shield, also echoing the national colours.
2. The Weimar Republic (1919–1933)
After the fall of the monarchy, the democratic Weimar Republic introduced a more simplified eagle as the emblem of the new republic.
The eagle was retained, but in a less aggressive, more symbolic and republican style.
3. The Third Reich (1933–1945)
Under the Nazi regime, an eagle above the swastika became the central emblem, in a heavily militarised and propagandistic design.
After the war, this symbol was completely rejected as a distorted and burdened form of the tradition.
3. The eagle in modern Germany
1. The Federal Republic of Germany (since 1949)
After the official foundation of West Germany, the “Federal Eagle” (Bundesadler) was adopted as the official state symbol.
This eagle continues a tradition reaching back to the Holy Roman Empire, but is interpreted in a modern, democratic way.
Today’s design is intentionally simple and is used on official documents, in the Bundestag and at the Federal Constitutional Court.
4. What does the eagle symbolise in German political culture?
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Independence and sovereignty: The eagle’s high flight stands for freedom from foreign domination.
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Strength and dignity: It reflects Germany’s self-image as a strong, yet responsible and peaceful state.
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Historical continuity: The eagle forms a bridge between monarchical, imperial, republican and democratic eras.
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Unity: As a shared national emblem, it represents the union of the German federal states in one polity.
5. A symbolic comparison with other countries
| Country | State symbol | Shared meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Eagle (Bundesadler) | Sovereignty, strength, legitimacy |
| United States | Bald eagle | Independence and freedom |
| Russia | Double-headed eagle | Dual authority (Church and State) |
| France | Rooster | Vigilance and fighting spirit |
The eagle is thus a global symbol of strength, but in Germany it has a particularly long and unique historical depth of more than a thousand years.
Conclusion
The choice of the eagle as Germany’s emblem was not a coincidence, but the result of a long symbolic and historical evolution that began in ancient Rome, continued through the medieval German-Roman Empire and has reached into the modern democratic state.
In Germany, the eagle represents far more than a powerful bird: it is a silent witness to the transformation of political systems – from empires to constitutional government, from raw power to the rule of law and public service.
It is an enduring symbol that links historical heritage with the forward-looking vision of a strong and well-balanced state.
* The writing and editorial team of the website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and consultation of multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or information may be included that is not fully verified. Therefore, the information presented in these articles should be regarded as an initial point of reference, and you should always consult the competent authorities for definitive and legally binding information.
