The Bundesverdienstkreuz (the official name is Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, "Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany") is the only general Order of Merit of the Federal Republic Of Germany.
It is only since September 7, 1951 that this Federal Order of Merit exists.
Classes
The Bundesverdienstkreuz has eight classes, in ascending order:
- Verdienstmedaille (Medal of Merit)
- Verdienstkreuz am Bande (Cross of Merit on ribbon)
international: Ritterkreuz (Knight's Cross)
- Verdienstkreuz 1. Klasse (Cross of Merit, First class)
international: Offizierkreuz (Officer's Cross)
- Großes Verdienstkreuz (Halskreuz) (Great Cross of Merit, neck cross)
international: Komturkreuz (Commander's Cross)
- Großes Verdienstkreuz mit Stern (Great Cross of Merit with star)
international: Großoffizierkreuz (Great Officer's Cross)
- Großes Verdienstkreuz mit Stern und Schulterband (Great Cross of Merit with Star and shoulder ribbon)
international: Großkreuz 2. Klasse (Grand Cross of Merit, Second class)
- Großkreuz (Grand Cross)
- Sonderstufe des Großkreuzes (Special degree of the Grand Cross)
Only a head of state can be awarded with the highest class.
Insignia
Except for the lowest class, the badge is the same for all classes, but with slightly different versions for men and women (slighty smaller badge and ribbon for women):
The badge is a golden Maltese Cross enamelled in red, with a central disc bearing a black eagle.
The star is a golden star with straight rays, its size and points vary according to class, with the badge superimposed upon it.
The ribbon is red with gold-black-gold stripes.
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