Bundesverdienstkreuz

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.

Classes

The Bundesverdienstkreuz has eight classes, in ascending order:

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• 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)

There is also the provision of awarding the Großkreuz in a special design. This provision has so far only been used twice, once for Konrad Adenauer and on Helmut Kohl. Only a head of state can be awarded with the highest class.

Related Topics:
Konrad Adenauer - Helmut Kohl - Head of state

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