During the period of World War 1 (1914-1918), the German flag was the black-white-red tricolour.
The Imperial German Flag in World War 1
The German Empire, established in 1871, adopted a national flag that remained in use throughout its existence, including the entirety of World War I. As confirmed by historical records and the provided reference:
"The black-white-red tricolour remained the flag of Germany until the end of the German Empire in 1918, in the final days of World War I."
This distinctive flag was the symbol of Germany during the conflict, representing the nation on battlefields, at sea, and on the international stage.
Details of the Design
The design of the flag was a simple yet recognizable tricolour pattern:
- Black (top horizontal stripe)
- White (middle horizontal stripe)
- Red (bottom horizontal stripe)
These colors were chosen based on earlier German flags, including those of the North German Confederation (1867-1871) and colors associated with Prussian military banners and the Hanseatic League. The combination was intended to symbolize German unity under Prussian leadership.
Representation During the War
This flag served as the civil and merchant flag of the German Empire. While various specific flags existed for the military (like the Reichskriegsflagge for the navy and army), the black-white-red tricolour was the widely recognized national emblem representing Germany itself during the First World War.
Below is a summary of the flag's key characteristics during this period:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Design | Horizontal Tricolour Stripes |
| Colors | Black (top), White (middle), Red (bottom) |
| Usage Period | 1871 – 1918 (Including all of WW1) |
| Status | Civil and National Flag of the German Empire |
The flag's use ended with the collapse of the German Empire in November 1918, shortly after the war concluded.
