Belgium and Germany are two of the most well-known countries in Europe. And unfortunately, their flags are so similar, they are often confused
The Belgium flag and the German flag both feature a black, yellow, and red color scheme. Of course, there are still some slight differences.
The Belgian flag has vertical stripes, with black on the left, yellow in the middle, and red on the right.
The German flag, on the other hand, has horizontal stripes, with black on the top, red in the middle, and gold on the bottom.
The yellow in the Belgian flag is a brighter shade than the gold in the German flag, making it easier to tell the two flags apart. At least to discerning eyes!
Why Are The Flags So Similar?
There are a few theories about why these two flags are so similar. Some believe that the colors are inspired by the coat of arms of the Duchy of Brabant, which was a powerful medieval state that covered parts of Belgium and the Netherlands.
Others believe that the colors were chosen because they represent the principles of liberty, unity & fraternity.
Regardless of their origins, the similarities between the two flags are undeniable and it is something that annoys many Belgians to no end (being mistaken for Germans!).
Historical Background of The Flags
Origins of Belgian Flag
The Belgian flag was first adopted in 1831 after Belgium declared independence from the Netherlands. The colors of the flag were taken from the coat of arms of the Duchy of Brabant, as I mentioned above.
These colors were adopted by the local population and used in numerous uprisings. This original flag had horizontal stripes and was used during the Belgian Revolution of 1830. The current design with vertical stripes was adopted in 1831 and is believed to have changed from horizontal to vertical because of the French flag which had such a format.
Origins of German Flag
The German flag was first adopted in 1919 during the Weimar Republic, which was between World War I and World War II.
The colors of the flag have a long history. Black and gold were the colors of the Holy Roman Empire, which existed between 962 and 1806. Red and white were the colors of the Hanseatic League, which was a powerful trading alliance in Northern Europe during the Middle Ages.
Symbolism & Design
The flags of Belgium and Germany have different designs and colors, each with its own unique symbolism.
The Belgian Flag
The Belgian flag is composed of three equal size vertical stripes of equal width with the colors black, yellow, and red. Each of these colors has its own meaning:
- Black represents the determination and strength of the Belgian people.
- Yellow symbolizes the country’s wealth and resources.
- Red represents the blood that was shed during the country’s struggle for independence.
The German Flag
The German flag, on the other hand, is composed of three equal horizontal stripes of black, red, and gold, each of equal height. The German flag is a rectangle that conforms to a ratio of 3:5 (height:width).
Each of these colors has its own meaning:
- Black represents the determination and strength of the German people.
- Red symbolizes the country’s struggle for freedom and democracy.
- Gold represents the country’s economic prosperity.
