Belgium vs Germany Flag
Belgium and Germany's flags use the same three colors — black, yellow (gold), and red — but in different orientations. Belgium's stripes are vertical, Germany's are horizontal. The color order also differs: Belgium is black-yellow-red (left to right), while Germany is black-red-gold (top to bottom). Despite using identical colors, the flags represent completely different historical traditions.
Key Differences
- Belgium's stripes are vertical; Germany's are horizontal.
- Belgium's order is black-yellow-red (left to right); Germany's is black-red-gold (top to bottom).
- Belgium's ratio is 13:15 (nearly square); Germany's is 3:5.
- Belgium's flag dates from the 1830 revolution; Germany's tricolor from 1848/1919.
- Belgium's colors come from the Duchy of Brabant's coat of arms; Germany's from the uniforms of the Lützow Free Corps.
Similarities
- Both use black, yellow/gold, and red.
- Both originated during revolutionary/national-unity movements in the 19th century.
- Both are European tricolor flags.
- Both nations are founding members of the EU.
Why Do Belgium and Germany Flags Look So Similar?
Both flags coincidentally drew from heraldic traditions that used the same three colors. Belgium's flag derives from the coat of arms of the Duchy of Brabant — a gold lion with red claws on a black shield. Germany's colors come from the uniforms of the Lützow Free Corps, a volunteer force during the Napoleonic Wars: black uniforms, red piping, and gold buttons. Both countries formalized these colors into tricolor flags during 19th-century nationalist movements, independently arriving at the same palette.
History of the Belgian Flag
Belgium's flag was adopted during the Belgian Revolution of August 1830, when Belgium broke away from the Netherlands. The colors derive from the Duchy of Brabant's coat of arms. Originally the stripes were horizontal (like the Dutch flag), but they were changed to vertical (like the French Tricolore) shortly after independence. The flag was officially established by the Belgian Constitution on January 23, 1831.
History of the German Flag
Germany's black-red-gold tricolor was first used by student fraternities and the Lützow Free Corps in the early 1800s. It became the national flag of the Weimar Republic in 1919. The Nazi regime replaced it with the swastika flag (1935–1945). After WWII, both West and East Germany used the tricolor, with East Germany adding its communist emblem. Reunified Germany restored the plain black-red-gold flag in 1990.
Color Comparison
Belgium Flag Colors
Germany Flag Colors
Fun Facts
- Belgium's flag is one of the most square national flags in Europe with a 13:15 ratio.
- Germany's flag was banned during the Nazi era (1933–1945) and replaced with the swastika.
- The easiest way to remember: Belgium = vertical (like its neighbor France), Germany = horizontal.
- Belgium and Germany share a 167 km border — making these two similar flags literal neighbors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Belgium and Germany flags look alike?
Both flags coincidentally drew from heraldic traditions that used the same three colors. Belgium's flag derives from the coat of arms of the Duchy of Brabant — a gold lion with red claws on a black shield. Germany's colors come from the uniforms of the Lützow Free Corps, a volunteer force during the Napoleonic Wars: black uniforms, red piping, and gold buttons. Both countries formalized these colors into tricolor flags during 19th-century nationalist movements, independently arriving at the same palette.
What is the difference between the Belgium and Germany flag?
- Belgium's stripes are vertical; Germany's are horizontal.
- Belgium's order is black-yellow-red (left to right); Germany's is black-red-gold (top to bottom).
- Belgium's ratio is 13:15 (nearly square); Germany's is 3:5.
- Belgium's flag dates from the 1830 revolution; Germany's tricolor from 1848/1919.
- Belgium's colors come from the Duchy of Brabant's coat of arms; Germany's from the uniforms of the Lützow Free Corps.
Are the Belgium and Germany flags the same?
No, while they look very similar, the flags of Belgium and Germany have distinct differences. Belgium's stripes are vertical; Germany's are horizontal.
Can You Tell Them Apart?
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