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Category: Germany

The Star of People’s Friendship

The Star of People’s Friendship was established 20 August 1959 and awarded for exceptional merit towards friendship between nations.

The Star of People’s Friendship (or Stern der Völkerfreundschaft in German), also known as the Star of Nations’ Friendship, was a prestigious order awarded by the German Democratic Republic. Established on August 20, 1959, this award was conferred upon individuals of exceptional merit who had significantly contributed to the promotion of understanding and friendship between nations, as well as the preservation of peace.

The award was presented on the recommendation of the presidency of the Council of Ministers (Präsidium des Ministerrates) and conferred by the chairman of the Council of State (Vorsitzender des Staatsrates) or in his name. Each recipient of the Star of People’s Friendship was also given a certificate, underscoring the formal recognition of their contributions.

The Star of People’s Friendship was part of the GDR’s broader strategy to promote its socialist ideals and foster international cooperation. By awarding this order to both domestic and international figures, the GDR sought to highlight and strengthen its diplomatic ties and promote the idea of global socialist solidarity. The award ceremonies were significant events, often held on important state occasions, further emphasizing the GDR’s commitment to peace and international friendship.

Star of People's Friendship Classes

The Star of People’s Friendship was categorized into three classes, each reflecting the level of contribution and distinction of the recipient:

  • 1st Class – Grand Star of People’s Friendship (Großer Stern der Völkerfreundschaft): This was the highest class, reserved for the most distinguished contributions.
  • 2nd Class – Star of People’s Friendship in Gold (Stern der Völkerfreundschaft in Gold): Awarded for significant but slightly lesser contributions than the 1st Class.
  • 3rd Class – Star of People’s Friendship in Silver (Stern der Völkerfreundschaft in Silber): Recognized notable contributions in fostering international friendship and peace.

Star of People's Friendship Design

The design of the Star of People’s Friendship features a five-pointed star, signifying excellence and distinction.

The center of the star displays a prominent emblem of the GDR, surrounded by elements that symbolized peace and international solidarity, such as olive branches or a globe.

The medal’s design varies slightly between the different classes, with the Grand Star often being larger and more elaborately decorated than the gold and silver versions.

The Banner of Labor (DDR)

The Banner of Labor was established in 1954 and awarded for excellent and long-standing service in strengthening and consolidating the GDR.

The Banner of Labor (or Banner der Arbeit in German) was an esteemed order in the German Democratic Republic, established on August 4, 1954. It was designed to honor individuals, collectives, enterprises, and organizations for “excellent and long-standing service in strengthening and consolidating the GDR, especially for achieving outstanding results for the national economy.”

The creation and evolution of the Banner of Labor reflected the GDR’s focus on recognizing and incentivizing productivity and loyalty to socialist ideals. By rewarding outstanding service and economic contributions, the GDR aimed to promote a culture of excellence and collective achievement, which was central to its ideological framework. The award ceremonies, held on a significant day for workers worldwide, reinforced the state’s commitment to labor and its role in building a socialist society.

The Banner of Labor Classes

Initially introduced in a single class, it was later divided into three classes on August 8, 1974, each with associated cash awards.

  • 1st Class: The highest distinction, accompanied by a cash award of 1,000 East German marks. This class was limited to 250 awards per year.
  • 2nd Class: Included a cash award of 750 East German marks, with an annual limit of 500 awards.
  • 3rd Class: Came with a cash award of 500 East German marks, limited to 1,000 awards per year.

For collectives with up to 20 members, the cash awards were scaled to 2,000, 3,500, and 5,000 marks per member, respectively, depending on the class.

The Banner of Labor Criteria

The Banner of Labor was awarded to individuals and collectives across all three classes. Enterprises, collective organizations (Kombinate), institutions, and cooperatives were eligible for the 1st Class award. A prerequisite for receiving this order was that individuals or members of collectives had already received other state awards, ensuring that the recipients had a history of recognized contributions.

The order could be awarded multiple times in any class and could also be granted to citizens of other countries, reflecting its broad scope of recognition.

Awards were presented annually on May 1st, coinciding with International Workers’ Day, by the Chairman of the State Council or his representative. Recipients also received a certificate alongside the medal.

The Banner of Labor Design

The Banner of Labor medal is gilded and measures 44 x 37 mm. It was designed to be worn on the left chest.

The medal features a prominent red banner with the inscription “Banner der Arbeit,” surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves, symbolizing strength and endurance. At the center, the emblem of the GDR—a hammer and compass, surrounded by a ring of rye—highlights the award’s connection to labor and socialism.

Establishments awarded the Banner of Labor were entitled to display a symbol of the order on their flag and official documents

The Patriotic Order of Merit (DDR)

The Patriotic Order of Merit was a national GDR award established in 1954 and awarded for special services to the state and to society.

The Patriotic Order of Merit (or Vaterländischer Verdienstorden in German) was a prestigious national award in the German Democratic Republic (GDR), established in 1954. It was granted annually to individuals and institutions for exceptional contributions to the state and society across various fields, including politics, economics, culture, and military service.

The Patriotic Order of Merit was often awarded during significant state anniversaries and events, highlighting the recipient’s alignment with socialist values and contributions to the GDR’s development. For instance, in 1968, Party Chief Walter Ulbricht awarded Karin Janz a silver Patriotic Order of Merit, recognizing her contributions to sports and the international prestige of the GDR.

The order served not only as a personal accolade but also as a tool for promoting the state’s values and rewarding loyalty to the socialist cause. It embodied the GDR’s emphasis on collective achievement and the importance of contributing to the state’s socialist ideology.

The Patriotic Order of Merit Criteria

The official language for the award outlined its purpose as being given “for outstanding merit”:

  • In the struggle of the German and international labor movement and in the fight against fascism.
  • In the establishment, consolidation, and fortification of the German Democratic Republic.
  • In the fight to secure peace and advance the international influence of the German Democratic Republic.

Each level of the order could be awarded only once to an individual or institution. With the exception of recipients of the honor clasp, all awardees also received a monetary sum as part of their recognition.

The Patriotic Order of Merit Classes

The Patriotic Order of Merit was structured into several classes, reflecting the level of contribution and achievement:

  • Honor Clasp in Gold: This was the highest distinction, awarded for exceptional merit and typically conferred upon those with an extraordinary impact on the state and society.
  • Gold, 1st Class: Recognized significant contributions across various sectors.
  • Silver, 2nd Class: Awarded for notable achievements, albeit at a slightly lower level than the gold class.
  • Bronze, 3rd Class: Given for commendable service and contributions that were still worthy of national recognition.

The Patriotic Order of Merit Design

The award featured a distinctive design. It was a ten-pointed star, with a central medallion displaying the state crest of the GDR. The medallion was enameled in red for the gold and silver classes, signifying the highest levels of honor. 

The medals were suspended from a ribbon that was red with gold accents, highlighting the importance of the award.

The Order of Karl Marx

The Honored Activist Medal was a state award of the GDR conferred as an honorary title and granted to workers and employees.

The Order of Karl Marx (or Karl-Marx-Orden in German) held the distinction of being the most prestigious decoration in the German Democratic Republic (GDR).

Instituted on May 5, 1953, to commemorate the 135th anniversary of Karl Marx’s birth, this honor marked the “Karl Marx Year” in East Germany and was established based on the recommendation of the GDR Council of Ministers. Recipients of the Order of Karl Marx not only received the medal but were also awarded a monetary prize of 20,000 East German marks, emphasizing the significant recognition associated with this award.

In essence, the Order of Karl Marx served as a powerful emblem of recognition for outstanding service and contributions to the socialist cause, both within the GDR and internationally, embodying the values and aspirations of the East German state.

The Order of Karl Marx Criteria

The medal was bestowed upon individuals, enterprises, organizations, and military groups that demonstrated exceptional merit in various fields such as ideology, culture, economy, and beyond. Not limited to East German citizens, the order could also be conferred upon foreign nationals, reflecting its international prestige and the GDR’s effort to acknowledge global contributions to socialism and related fields.

The Order of Karl Marx Medal Design

The DDR Order of Karl Marx featured a red enameled five-pointed gold star with oak leaves between the points.

At the center of the star and in the obverse, a gold bust of Karl Marx was prominently displayed on a round gold plaque.

The reverse side of the medal bore either the gold content number or the award number, ensuring authenticity and traceability. This meticulous design symbolized the honor and esteem associated with the award, drawing parallels with the Soviet Order of the October Revolution, but replacing the cruiser “Aurora” with the iconic image of Karl Marx.

The medal was mounted on a plain red ribbon, adhering to the standard East Bloc pentagonal pattern, and the ribbon bar featured a central gold “oak leaf” motif.

The Honored Doctor of the People Medal

The Honored Activist Medal was a state award of the GDR conferred as an honorary title and granted to workers and employees.

The title Honored Doctor of the People (or Verdienter Arzt des Volkes in German) was the highest national award of the German Democratic Republic or GDR for medical professionals, presented in the form of an honorary title with a certificate and a wearable medal.

The honorary title was established on March 31, 1949. The creation of this title was driven by the increasing tendency of doctors to move to West Germany. To retain this essential professional group in the GDR, the German Economic Commission introduced this honorary title along with various privileges.

The Honored Doctor of the People Medal Criteria

The title was awarded for significant and outstanding achievements in scientific medical research, practical medical work, health protection organization, university teaching, and the training of medical personnel in the GDR. It could also be awarded to individuals for exceptional contributions to public health education, exemplary dedication to the service of life and health of GDR citizens, and strengthening the trustful relationships with patients. Besides doctors, dentists could also receive this title. Additionally, the award could be given to individuals promoting international cooperation, particularly with the Soviet Union, in health and social services.

The title could only be awarded to an individual once, with a maximum of 30 titles awarded annually. Recipients received a medal, an honorary certificate, and a cash prize of up to 8000 marks. The awards were typically presented on December 11th, the birthday of Robert Koch and the GDR Health Day, in a formal ceremony by the Minister of Health.

The Honored Doctor of the People Medal Design

The initial bronze medal had a diameter of 30.5 mm with a ridged edge, featuring a right-facing portrait of Robert Koch with glasses on the obverse. The reverse displayed the two-line inscription “VERDIENTER ARZT / DES VOLKES” (“Meritorious Doctor of the People”) beneath three laurel leaves, along with the year of the award.

Initially, the medal was worn on a black-red-gold ribbon bow. From 1955, it was worn on a 28.5 × 15.5 mm rectangular cloth-covered clasp with black, red, and gold stripes, featuring a 3.5 mm wide horizontal silver stripe.

Appearance

From 1958, the medal was made of silver and featured Koch’s portrait without glasses. In 1973, it was silver-plated. The reverse depicted three upright bound laurel leaves surrounded by the inscription “VERDIENTER ARZT” (top) “DES VOLKES” (bottom). In 1978, the laurel leaves were replaced by the GDR state emblem, while the inscription remained unchanged.

Between 1958 and 1978, the medal was worn on a 25 × 14 mm black-red-gold cloth-covered clasp. The interim clasp displayed a 10 mm miniature of the medal’s obverse. After 1978, the clasp was changed to blue cloth with a white border, and the interim clasp continued to show the miniature of the medal’s obverse.

The Honored Activist Medal

The Honored Activist Medal was a state award of the GDR conferred as an honorary title and granted to workers and employees.

The Meritorious Activist (or Verdienter Aktivist in German) was a state award of the German Democratic Republic or GDR, conferred accompanied by a certificate and a wearable medal.

Initially established in 1950, this honorary title was incorporated into the “Order of Awards in the Activist and Competition Movement” in 1953.

This award could be granted to workers and employees who met the following criteria:

  • Consistently exceeded technical standards over six months.
  • Produced work of exceptional quality.
  • Achieved significant savings in materials, energy, and auxiliary substances.
  • Organized activist schools to teach advanced working methods to underperforming colleagues.
  • Actively contributed to the improvement of production techniques, technology, and work organization.
  • Participated in the development of occupational safety and security measures.

The honorary title was awarded annually on October 13th.

The Honored Activist Medal Design

The medal was made of metal and gold-plated. it is round and has a diameter of approximately 35 mm, fitting the standard size for many GDR awards.

The central motif featured the GDR state emblem, which included a hammer and compass surrounded by a wreath of grain, symbolizing the unity of workers and farmers.

Around the central emblem, there was an inscription that read “VERDIENTER AKTIVIST” (Meritorious Activist), emphasizing the purpose of the award.

The Honored Member of the Civil Defense Medal

The Honored Member of the Civil Defense Medal was established in 1977 and was awarded for in increasing operational readiness.

The title Honored Member of Civil Defense (or Verdienter Angehöriger der Zivilverteidigung in German) was a state award of the GDR, conferred as an honorary title accompanied by a certificate and a wearable medal.

The title was established on October 25, 1977. It was awarded to members of the civil defense and volunteers for outstanding achievements, special merits, and many years of exemplary duty fulfillment in enhancing the operational readiness of the GDR’s civil defense. The number of honorary titles awarded each year was limited to just five.

The Honored Member of the Civil Defense Medal Design

The gold-plated medal, with a diameter of 35 mm, features the large state coat of arms of the GDR (14.5 mm in diameter) in the center of its obverse on a wine-red background.

Surrounding the coat of arms is the inscription “FÜR DEN SCHUTZ DER ARBEITER UND BAUERNMACHT” (“FOR THE PROTECTION OF WORKERS AND FARMER POWER“). The medal’s edge is adorned with a large laurel wreath with two crossed daggers at the bottom. The reverse side of the medal bears the five-line inscription “VERDIENTER / ANGEHÖRIGER / DER / ZIVILVERTEIDIGUNG / DER DDR” (“MERITORIOUS / MEMBER / OF / CIVIL DEFENSE / OF THE GDR“).

The medal was worn on the upper left side of the chest, mounted on a pentagonal clasp with a silver-gray ribbon adorned with a gold laurel group.

The ribbon itself features two vertical wine-red stripes: the outer stripe is 0.5 mm wide, and the inner stripe is 2 mm wide, with a 3 mm gap between the hem and the first inner stripe, and a 0.5 mm gap to the second stripe. The interim clasp is of similar design and also displays the gold laurel group in the center as a miniature.

The Honored Member of the Border Troops Medal

The Honored Member of the Border Troops Medal was established in 1975 and awarded in a single class for outstanding achievements and merit.

The Honored Member of the Border Troops Medal (or Verdienter Angehöriger der Grenztruppen in German) was a prestigious state award in the GDR. It was conferred as an honorary title accompanied by a certificate and a wearable medal.

Established on November 14, 1975, this title was awarded to members of the GDR border troops for their exceptional service in protecting the state border. The award was highly exclusive, limited to five recipients per year, and could only be awarded to the same individual once.

The Honored Member of the Border Troops Medal Design

The gold-plated medal, measuring 35 mm in diameter, features the large state coat of arms of the GDR (14.5 mm in diameter) at the center of its obverse on a green background. Surrounding the coat of arms is the inscription: “FÜR DEN SCHUTZ DER ARBEITER UND BAUERNMACHT” (“FOR THE PROTECTION OF WORKERS AND FARMER POWER“). The medal’s border is adorned with a large golden laurel wreath with two crossed daggers at the bottom.

The reverse side of the medal displays a five-line inscription: “DESERVED / MEMBER / OF / THE / BORDER TROOPS / OF THE GDR.”

The medal was worn on the upper left side of the chest, mounted on a pentagonal clasp with a silver-gray ribbon adorned with a gold laurel group. The ribbon features two vertical green stripes: the outer stripe is 0.5 mm wide and the inner stripe is 2 mm wide, with a 3 mm gap between the hem and the first inner stripe, and a 0.5 mm gap to the second stripe.

The Honored Member of the National People’s Army Medal

The Honored Member of the National People’s Army Medal was established in 1976 and awarded for outstanding achievements and merit.

The Meritorious Member of the National People’s Army (or Verdienter Angehöriger der Nationalen Volksarmee in German) was a prestigious state award of the German Democratic Republic (or GDR), conferred as an honorary title accompanied by a certificate and a wearable medal.

Instituted on November 14, 1975, and first awarded on February 20, 1976, this honor was limited to a maximum of 20 recipients per year and could be awarded to an individual only once. The title recognized members of the National People’s Army (NVA) for outstanding services that significantly enhanced the NVA’s combat readiness.

The Honored Member of the National People’s Army Medal Design

The gold-plated medal, with a diameter of 35 mm, features the large state coat of arms of the GDR (14.5 mm in diameter) set against a red background on the obverse side. Encircling the coat of arms was the inscription: “FÜR DEN SCHUTZ DER ARBEITER UND BAUERNMACHT” (“FOR THE PROTECTION OF WORKERS AND FARMER POWER“). The border of the medal was adorned with a large golden laurel wreath, intersected at the bottom by two crossed daggers.

The reverse of the medal bears the four-line inscription “VERDIENTER – ANGEHÖRIGER – DER NATIONALEN – VOLKSARMEE“.

The medal was worn on the upper left side of the chest, affixed to a pentagonal clasp. The clasp was covered with a silver-gray ribbon featuring two vertical red stripes.

The Honored People’s Policeman Medal

The Honored People’s Policeman Medal was instituted on 15 June 1966 and was awarded for achievements and commitment to the GDR.

The title of Honored People’s Policeman of the German Democratic Republic (or Verdienter Volkspolizist in German) was a prestigious award instituted on 15 June 1966. This title recognized special achievements and personal commitment to the protection of the GDR, as well as exemplary initiatives that contributed to enhancing public safety and order.

Established during a period of heightened focus on internal security and state control, the Honour Title of Meritorious People’s Policeman was part of broader efforts to recognize and incentivize loyalty and excellence within the security forces of East Germany.

The Honored People’s Policeman Medal Criteria

Recipients of this honor were typically members of the People’s Police who demonstrated exceptional dedication and effectiveness in their duties. The award was given to individuals who showed:

  • Outstanding performance in protecting the state and its citizens.
  • Significant contributions to maintaining and improving public safety and order.
  • Exemplary personal commitment and initiative in their police work.
  • Innovative approaches to crime prevention and community safety.

The Honored People’s Policeman Medal Design

The medal awarded with this title is round and gold in color. 

The ribbon is red with thin black and yellow stripes close to the edges.

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