The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Decorations · Wehrmacht awards

German Cross: History, Grades and Collector’s Guide

Instituted 28 September 1941
Grades Gold (combat bravery); Silver (distinguished non-combat service)
Number awarded About 30,000 in gold, according to the Australian War Memorial
Worn On the right breast; metal and cloth versions
In the collection No pieces currently available

The German Cross, a large eight-pointed star with a swastika in the centre, filled the gap between the Iron Cross First Class and the Knight’s Cross. It was not part of the Iron Cross series.

What Was the German Cross?

The German Cross was awarded in two classes from 28 September 1941. The version in gold rewarded repeated bravery or leadership in combat and ranked above the Iron Cross First Class; the version in silver rewarded distinguished service outside combat and ranked above the War Merit Cross First Class. It was worn on the right breast, and lighter cloth versions were made for wear on uniforms.

The Australian War Memorial records that about 30,000 were awarded in gold and attributes the design to Professor Klein of Munich.

Who Awarded It, and Which Documents Go With It?

Awards came with a preliminary certificate and, in many cases, a formal document. The award should be recorded in the soldier’s service books. See award documents.

What Should Collectors Watch For?

  • Reproductions are numerous; construction, rivets, enamel and weight need close examination.
  • Cloth versions are also reproduced.
  • The date 1941 appears on all wartime crosses and does not date the award.

Legal note. In Germany the 1957 Orders and Decorations Act allows Second World War awards to be worn only without National Socialist emblems, which is why “1957 pattern” versions without the swastika exist. The public display of Nazi symbols is restricted in Germany, Austria and several other countries. Owning, buying and selling original decorations as historical objects is treated differently from country to country, so check the law where you live and where you ship.

Collector’s Note

A German Cross is a substantial piece of metalwork, and that is exactly what makes copies tempting to produce. I treat construction details as evidence, not as decoration.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the German Cross in gold and in silver?

Gold was for combat bravery; silver for distinguished non-combat service.

Where was the German Cross worn?

On the right breast.

How many German Crosses in gold were awarded?

About 30,000, according to the Australian War Memorial.

Historical Responsibility Notice: this entry documents historical figures and artefacts of the National Socialist period for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology, and it is written in memory of the victims of the regime.

References & Further Reading