Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (Federal Cross of Merit)

Please note in particular our information under:

  • Performance specification

    The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany is the highest recognition awarded by the Federal Republic of Germany for services to the common good. It is awarded to domestic and foreign citizens for political, economic-social and intellectual achievements as well as for all special services to the Federal Republic of Germany (for example, also for services in the social, charitable and human spheres).

    The Order of Merit is awarded in 8 different levels. The first award is generally the Medal of Merit or the Cross of Merit on Ribbon.

    The award of the Order of Merit does not entail a financial benefit.
     

  • Requirements

    Special information for - District of Waldeck-Frankenberg

    Any person may propose the award of the Order of Merit to another person. The suggestion is made informally. However, it is required in writing (also possible by e-mail) and should contain the following information about the proposed person:

    • First name and surname, home address, if possible: date of birth
    • Presentation of the nature, extent and duration of the special services rendered to the Federal Republic of Germany and the general welfare
      (if applicable, it would be helpful to name reference persons or organisations that can comment on the proposal)

  • What else should I know?

    Those who instigate their own award cannot expect to be awarded the Order of Merit according to the regulations of the Order. Nor can the Order of Merit be awarded posthumously.

    Formal proposals for orders are submitted to the Federal President by the heads of government of the 16 Länder for their "Landeskinder", by the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs for foreigners or for Germans residing abroad, and by the respective Federal Minister for his or her staff. As a matter of principle, the Federal President bases his decision on their examination results and applications and only confers orders in consensus with them.
     


Who do I need to contact?

Special information for - District of Waldeck-Frankenberg

A suggestion can be made informally to the Hessian State Chancellery.

Subsequently, the Hessian State Chancellery forwards the proposal to conduct the examination procedure to the competent district administrator or the competent mayor.

After all the necessary documents have been submitted, the Prime Minister of Hesse decides whether to exercise his right of nomination vis-à-vis the Office of the Federal President. The decision lies with the Office of the Federal President.


Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany

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