The federal flag consists of three horizontal stripes of equal width, black at the top, red in the middle and gold at the bottom; the proportion of the hoist (width) to the fly (length) of the bunting shall be 3:5. The federal flag may also be displayed in the form of a banner. The banner shall consist of three vertical stripes of equal width, black at the left, red in the middle and gold at the right.
Flags shall be displayed on the following days:
| 27 January |
Day of Remembrance for the Victims of National Socialism* |
| 1 May |
Labor Day |
| 5 May |
Europe Day |
| 23 May |
Anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law |
| 17 June |
Anniversary of 17 June 1953 |
| 20 July |
Anniversary of 20 July 1944 |
| 3 October |
Day of German Unity |
| Second Sunday before the first Sunday in Advent |
Day of National Mourning* |
|
As specifically scheduled:
|
Day of the elections to the German Bundestag |
|
Day of the elections to the European Parliament |