Orders, decorations, and medals of East Germany

Template:Short description Following the 1949 establishment of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) the new state prohibited the wearing of all pre-1945 German decorations and created a new system of awards inspired in part by those of the USSR. 1954-05-21 After German reunification in 1990, former NVA Soldiers transferring into the new unified Bundeswehr could wear NVA award but list of approved East German decorations were limited and in the eyes of the new Bundeswehr fell under regulations for "foreign decorations". Awards associated with some state agencies or Communist organizations were considered to be in breach of public order and not allowed to be worn. Those were such as decorations issued by the Ministry for State Security, Border troops, , Combat Groups, GST and the FDJ.

In total, there were 142 state decorations and medals and over 10.000 by non-state mass organisations. Every GDR citizen received on average ten awards in their lifetime. The inflationary use of awards increased from the 1970s onwards, most even mid-level Socialist Unity Party functionaries receiving multiple variants of the same award.

Honorary titles

Award	Ribbon bar	Name (English/German)	Date of creation	Description
File:Held der DDR.png	File:GDR Hero of GDR BAR.png	Hero of the GDR	28th October 1975	Awarded for heroic feats in service to the East German state and society.
File:Held der Arbeit.jpg	File:GDR Hero of Labor BAR.png	Hero of Labour	19th April 1950
	File:Us redribbon rib.png	Meritorious Member of State Security ()	16th December 1969	Awarded for outstanding contributions to the protection of the state from foreign intelligence services
File:Medaille zum Ehrentitel Verdienter Militaerflieger der DDR.jpg	File:Meritorious Military Pilot of the GDR ribbon.png	Meritorious Military Pilot of the GDR ()	1st August 1974
	File:GDR Meritorious Policeman BAR.png	Honoured People's Policeman ()	15th June 1966	The medal was awarded in a single class for special achievements and personal dedication in the protection of the GDR. Also, for exemplary initiative that have contributed to increasing public safety and order.
	File:GDR Meritorious Member of National People's Army BAR.png	Honoured Member of the National People's Army (Verdienter Angehöriger der Nationalen Volksarmee)	20th February 1976	The medal was awarded in a single class for outstanding achievements and merit leading to an increase in combat readiness and effectiveness.
	File:GDR Meritorious Member of Border Troops BAR.png	Honoured Member of the Border Troops ()	14th November 1975	The medal was awarded in a single class for outstanding achievements and merit leading.
	File:GDR Meritorious Member of Civil Defense BAR.png	Honoured Member of Civil Defense ()	25th October 1977	The medal was awarded in a single class for outstanding achievements and special merit over many years of exemplary duty fulfillment of duties in increasing operational readiness.
File:GDR Honoured Activist.jpg	File:Медаль Заслуженный активист (ГДР) лента.png	Honoured Activist ()	1st November 1953	The medal was awarded in a single class for outstanding improvements in production, in technology or in occupational safety.
File:Verdienter Arzt des Volkes.jpg	File:DDR Verdienter Arzt des Volkes rib.png	Honoured Doctor of the People ()	31st March 1949	The medal was awarded for significant and outstanding achievements in scientific research, in medical practice, in the organization of health protection, in teaching at universities and in medical colleges and in the training of the medical cadre.

State prizes

Award	Ribbon bar	Name (English/German)	Date of creation	Description
	File:GDR National Prize of GDR BAR.png	National Prize of East Germany	1949	Awarded for scientific, artistic, and other meritorious achievement.
		Heinrich Greif Prize	1951	Awarded for contribution to the state cinema and television industry.
		Lessing Prize	1954	Awarded for outstanding work in the field of the stage and the arts.
		Prize for artistic folk art	1955	Awarded for outstanding new creations or artistic interpretations.
		Heinrich Heine Prize	1956	Awarded for outstanding lyrical works and works of literary journalism.
		Carl Blechen Prize	1956	Awarded for the Arts, Literature and Artistic Folk Creations.
		Johannes R. Becher Medal	1961	Awarded for the development of "socialist national culture in the GDR".
		Art Prize of the German Democratic Republic	1959	Awarded for outstanding creative and interpretive achievements in visual arts, applied arts, cinema, television, radio and entertainment.
		Rudolf Virchow Prize	1960	Awarded for special achievements in the field of medical literature, medical technology and medical production.
File:Medaille zum GutsMuths-Preis.jpg		Guts Muths Prize	1961	Awarded for scientific achievements in the field of sports science and sports medicine.
File:Friedrich-Engels-Preis, Stufe Gold.jpg	File:GDR Engels Prize bar-G.png File:GDR Engels-Prize bar S.png File:GDR Engels Prize bar-G.png	Friedrich Engels Prize	1970	Awarded in 3 classes for outstanding scientific and organizational achievements to strengthen national defense.
		Theodor Körner Prize	1970	Awarded for outstanding achievements in the creation or interpretation of works of art that contribute to strengthening the defense forces of the GDR.
		Architecture Prize of the GDR	1976	Awarded for achievements in the field of architecture.
File:Gutes Design klein vorne.png		Design Prize of the GDR	1978	Awarded for significant contribution in increasing economic productivity.
		Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm Prize	1978	Awarded for the promotion of the German language and German studies abroad.

State orders

Award	Ribbon bar	Name (English/German)	Date of creation	Description
	File:Order of Karl Marx ribbon bar.png	Order of Karl Marx	5th May 1953	Awarded for exceptional merit in relation to ideology, culture, economy, and other designations. Additionally, citizens of other countries could also be awarded the order.
File:GDR Patriotic Order of Merit all 3 classes.jpg	File:Ehrenspange.png File:Złoty Order Za Zasługi dla Narodu i Ojczyzny.png File:Ribbon bars of the Fatherland's Orde of Merit.png File:Ribbon bars of the Fatherland's Orde of Merit Brons.png	Patriotic Order of Merit	21st May 1954	Awarded for special services to the state and to society
File:GDR Banner of Labour 3 classes.jpg	File:GDR Order of Banner of Labor 1Class BAR.png File:GDR Order of Banner of Labor 2Class BAR.png File:GDR Order of Banner of Labor 3Class BAR.png	Banner of Labour	4th August 1954	Awarded for outstanding achievements over many years which stabilised and strengthened the country, and in particular for high results in work in the national economy.
File:De grote gouden ster van de Orde van de Volkerenvriendschap 2.png	File:GDR Star of Friendship of Nations - Grand Star (formal ribbon) BAR.png File:GDR Star of Friendship of Nations - Gold BAR.png File:GDR Star of Friendship of Nations - Silver BAR.png	Star of People's Friendship	20th August 1959	Awarded for exceptional merit in contributing to the "understanding and friendship between nations and preservation of peace".
File:Bartel0016gsb.jpg	File:GDR Blucher Order for Gallantry - Gold BAR.png File:GDR Blucher Order for Gallantry - Silver BAR.png File:GDR Blucher Order for Gallantry - Bronze BAR.png	Blücher Order	13th October 1965	Awarded for valour in time of war (never awarded).
File:Bartel0012c2.jpg	File:GDR Scharnhorst-Order bar.png	Scharnhorst Order	17th February 1966	Awarded for major contributions to the improvement principles of ideology of the GDR
File:GDR Combat Order of Merit for the People and Fatherland.jpg	File:GDR Combat-Order for Merit for the Nation and Fatherland - Bronze BAR.png File:GDR Combat-Order for Merit for the Nation and Fatherland - Silver BAR.png File:GDR Combat-Order for Merit for the Nation and Fatherland - Gold BAR.png	Combat Order of Merit for the People and the Fatherland	17th February 1966	The medal was awarded in three classes: Bronze Silver Gold

State medals

Military and para-military decorations

Award	Ribbon bar	Name (English/German)	Date of creation	Description
File:GDR Decoration of the German Peoples Police.jpg	File:GDR Decoration of German Police BAR.png	Decoration of the German People's Police ()	1st June 1949	The medal was awarded in a single class for outstanding achievements, for personal bravery and selfless dedication.
File:GDR Decoration of Honour for Excellent Performance in Fire Protection.jpg	File:GDR Decoration of honor for excellent performance in fire protection ribbon.png	Decoration of Honour for Excellent Performance in Fire Protection ()	10th February 1983	The medal was awarded in a single class for exemplary performances in ensuring fire protection, for great bravery in fighting fires in the protection of the lives of citizens of the GDR, in preventing major damage, for significant results in the development of fire protection in the GDR, for international cooperation of bodies of fire protection.
File:Vorbildlichen-Grenzdienst3.jpg	File:GDR Medal for Exemplary Border Service BAR.png	Medal for Exemplary Border Service ()	28th May 1954	The medal was awarded in a single class for exemplary performance and personal commitment in securing the state border of the GDR
File:GDR Medal for Excellence in the Armed Organs of the Interior Ministry.jpg	File:Medal for excellence in the armed forces of the Ministry of the Interior ribbon.png	Medal for Excellence in the Armed Organs of the Interior Ministry ()	4th June 1959	The medal was awarded in a single class for excellent performance of tasks, in particular in the strengthening and consolidation of the GDR.
File:GDR Medal for excellent performance in the fighting groups of the working class.jpg	File:GDR Medal for excellent performance in the fighting groups of the working class ribbon.png	Medal for excellent performance in the fighting groups of the working class ()	6th October 1965	The medal was awarded in a single class for special merit in the deployment, development and consolidation of combat groups, for excellent performance in leadership and training, for the care and maintenance of equipment and armament.
File:GDR Medal of Merit in Fire Protection.jpg	File:GDR Medal of Merit in Fire Protection ribbon.png	Medal of Merit in Fire Protection ()	24th August 1968	The medal was awarded in a single class for outstanding achievements as well as personal bravery and selfless dedication in the fulfillment of fire protection duties in the safeguarding of the national economy as well as the life, health and protection of the personal property of the citizens of the GDR.
File:GDR Medal of Merit of the National People's Army.jpg	File:GDR Verdienstmedaille NVA 3 BAR.png File:GDR Verdienstmedaille NVA 2 BAR.png File:GDR Verdienstmedaille NVA 1 BAR.png	Medal of Merit of the National People's Army ()	1st June 1956	The medal was awarded in three classes for outstanding merit and personal readiness in support of increases in combat capabilities and readiness of the National People's Army: Bronze Silver Gold
File:GDR Medal of Merit of Organs of the Ministry of the Interior.jpg	File:GDR Organs of Ministry of Interior Medal of Merit - Bronze BAR.png File:GDR Organs of Ministry of Interior Medal of Merit - Silver BAR.png File:GDR Organs of Ministry of Interior Medal of Merit - Gold BAR.png	Medal of Merit of Organs of the Ministry of the Interior ()	15th June 1966	The medal was awarded in three classes for merit and personal commitment in increasing public order and security; for the protection of the structure of socialism in the GDR and the consolidation of the German People's Police and the Ministry of the Interior: Bronze Silver Gold
File:Medal of Merit of the Border Troops of the GDR.jpg	File:Medal of Merit of the Border Troops of the GDR bronze ribbon.png File:Medal of Merit of the Border Troops of the GDR silver ribbon.png File:Medal of Merit of the Border Troops of the GDR ribbon.png	Medal of Merit of the Border Troops of the GDR ()	25th October 1977	The medal was awarded in 3 classes for outstanding achievements and personal dedication in maintaining the security of the borders of the GDR. Also for political and military leadership as well as for education and training. Bronze Silver Gold
File:GDR Medal of Merit of the Combat Groups of the Working-Class.jpg	File:GDR Medal of merit for combat groups of the working-class in bronze ribbon.png File:GDR Medal of merit for combat groups of the working-class in silver ribbon.png File:GDR Medal of merit for combat groups of the working-class in gold ribbon.png	Medal of Merit of the Combat Groups of the Working-Class ()	25th September 1961	The medal was awarded in three classes for faithful fulfillment of duties and recognition of exemplary achievements in the ranks of the combat groups of the GDR: Bronze Silver Gold
File:Medal of Merit of the Customs Administration of the GDR.jpg	File:GDR Medal of Merit of the Customs Administration lvl 1 ribbon.png File:GDR Medal of Merit of the Customs Administration lvl 2 ribbon.png File:GDR Medal of Merit of the Customs Administration lvl 3 ribbon.png	Medal of Merit of the Customs Administration of the GDR ()	12th May 1967	The medal was awarded in three classes to individuals or collectives of the GDR or other socialist states, for services in fulfilling duties in the customs administration that contributed to strengthening and securing the GDR: Bronze Silver Gold
File:Medal of Merit of Civil Defense of the GDR.jpg	File:GDR Medal of Merit of Civil Defense in bronze ribbon.png File:GDR Medal of Merit of Civil Defense in silver ribbon.png File:GDR Medal of Merit of Civil Defense in gold ribbon.png	Medal of Merit of Civil Defense ()	16th September 1970	The medal was awarded in three classes to members and collectives of the Civil Defense of the GDR, to citizens of the GDR as well as to foreign nationals of socialist brother states, companies and institutions; for special merit in increasing the operational readiness, the education and training, the maintenance of and development of technical equipment of civil defense: Bronze Silver Gold
File:GDR Brotherhood in Arms Medal.jpg	File:GDR Brotherhood in Arms Medal - Bronze BAR.png File:GDR Brotherhood in Arms Medal - Silver BAR.png File:GDR Brotherhood in Arms Medal - Gold BAR.png	Medal Brotherhood in Arms ()	17th February 1966	The medal was awarded in three classes for achievements and merit in the consolidation of the relationships between the fraternal socialist armies and the development of mutual cooperation: Bronze Silver Gold
File:GDR Medal for loyal service in the barracked People's Police.jpg	File:Meda ribbonl for loyal service in the barracked People's Police GDR.png	Medal for Faithful Service in the Barracked People's Police ()	28th April 1954	The medal was awarded in a single class for 5 years of honest, conscientious and faithful service in the armed organs of the GDR. It was replaced by the Medal For Faithful Service in the National People’s Army in 1956.
File:GDR Medal For Faithful Service in the National Peoples Army.jpg	File:GDR Med-Faithfol-Serv-NPA bar-5y.pdf File:GDR Med-Faithfol-Serv-NPA bar-10y.pdf File:GDR Med-Faithfol-Serv-NPA bar-15y.pdf File:GDR Med-Faithful-Serv-NPA bar-20y.pdf	Medal For Faithful Service in the National People’s Army ()	1st June 1956	The medal was awarded in four classes: 5 years service (bronze) 10 years service (silver) 15 years service (gold) 20 years service (gold) with colored flags on the medal and Roman numerals XX on the ribbon
File:GDR Medal For Faithful Service in the Border Guards of the GDR.jpg	File:GDR Med-Faithfol-Serv-NPA bar-5y.pdf File:GDR Med-Faithfol-Serv-NPA bar-10y.pdf File:GDR Med-Faithfol-Serv-NPA bar-15y.pdf File:GDR Med-Faithful-Serv-NPA bar-20y.pdf	Medal For Faithful Service in the Border Guards of the GDR ()	25th October 1977	The medal was awarded in four classes: 5 years service (bronze) 10 years service (silver) 15 years service (gold) 20 years service (gold) with colored flags on the medal and Roman numerals XX on the ribbon
	File:GDR Med-Faithfol-Serv-NPA bar-5y.pdf File:GDR Med-Faithfol-Serv-NPA bar-10y.pdf File:GDR Med-Faithfol-Serv-NPA bar-15y.pdf File:GDR Med-Faithful-Serv-NPA bar-20y.pdf	Medal for Faithful Service in the Civil Defense of the GDR ()	25th October 1977	The medal was awarded to personnel of the Civil Defense in four classes: 5 years service (bronze) 10 years service (silver) 15 years service (gold) 20 years service (gold) with Roman numerals XX on the ribbon
File:GDR Medals for faithful service in the armed organs of the Ministry of the Interior.jpg	File:GDR Medal for Long Service in Militarized Organs of Ministry of Interior - 5 Years ribbon.png File:GDR Medal for Long Service in Militarized Organs of Ministry of Interior - 10 Years ribbon.png File:GDR Medal for Long Service in Militarized Organs of Ministry of Interior - 15 Years ribbon.png File:GDR Medal for Long Service in Militarized Organs of Ministry of Interior - 20 Years ribbon.png File:GDR Medal for Long Service in Militarized Organs of Ministry of Interior - 25 Years ribbon.png File:GDR Medal for Long Service in Militarized Organs of Ministry of Interior - 30 Years ribbon.png	Medal for Faithful Service in Militarised Organs of the Interior Ministry ()	22nd January 1959	The medal was awarded in six classes: 5 years service (bronze) 10 years service (silver) 15 years service (gold) 20 years service (gold) 25 years service (gold) 30 years service (gold)
File:Medal for Loyal Service in the Customs Administration of the GDR.jpg	File:GDR Medal for loyal service in the customs administration 3rd lvl ribbon.png File:GDR Medal for loyal service in the customs administration 2nd lvl ribbon.png File:GDR Medal for loyal service in the customs administration 1st lvl ribbon.png File:GDR Medal for loyal service in the customs administration lvl 4 cl ribbon.png File:GDR Medal for loyal service in the customs administration lvl 5 cl ribbon.png File:GDR Medal for loyal service in the customs administration lvl 6 cl ribbon.png	Medal for Loyal Service in the Customs Administration of the GDR ()	12th May 1967	The medal was awarded in six classes to all employees of the customs administration upon reaching a fixed, uninterrupted period of honest, conscientious and faithful service: 5 years service (bronze) 10 years service (silver) 15 years service (gold) 20 years service (gold + 1 oak leaf) 25 years service (gold + 2 oak leaves) 30 years service (gold + 3 oak leaves)
File:GDR Medal for Long Service in Fighting Groups of Working Class.jpg	File:GDR Medaille treue Dienste Kampfgruppen Arbeiterklasse Bronze ribbon.png File:GDR Medaille treue Dienste Kampfgruppen Arbeiterklasse Silber ribbon.png File:GDR Medaille treue Dienste Kampfgruppen Arbeiterklasse Gold ribbon.png File:GDR Medaille treue Dienste Kampfgruppen Arbeiterklasse Special ribbon.png	Medal for Faithful Service in Fighting Groups of the Working Class ()	6th October 1965	The medal was awarded in four classes: 5 years service (bronze) 10 years service (silver) 15 years service (gold) 20 years service (gold) with gold circular ribbon device (post 1978)
File:Medal for Faithful Fulfillment of Duties in the Civil Defense of the GDR.jpg	File:Ribbon for the Medal for loyal fulfillment of duties in the civil defense of the GDR bronze grade.png File:Ribbon for the Medal for loyal fulfillment of duties in the civil defense of the GDR silver grade.png File:Ribbon for the Medal for loyal fulfillment of duties in the civil defense of the GDR gold grade.png	Medal for Faithful Fulfillment of Duties in the Civil Defense of the GDR ()	25th October 1977	The medal was awarded in three classes to volunteers: 10 years service (bronze) 20 years service (silver) 30 years service (gold)

Civilian decorations

Award	Ribbon bar	Name (English/German)	Date of creation	Description
File:GDR Medal of Merit.jpg	File:GDR Medal of Merit ribbon.png	Medal of Merit of the GDR ()	1959-06-04	Awarded for distinction through special achievements and faithful fulfillment of duties in the construction of socialism.
	File:Hans-Beimler Medal-Ribbon.gif	Hans Beimler Medal ()	1956-05-17	Awarded for fighting in the Spanish Civil War on the side of the Republicans.
File:GDR Medal for Fighters Against Fascism.jpg	File:GDR Medal for Fighters against Fascism BAR.png	Medal for Fighters Against Fascism ()	1958-02-22	Awarded for involvement in the resistance against the Nazi regime 1933–45.
	File:DDR Lebensrettungsmedaille ribbon.png	Lifesaving Medal of the GDR ()	1954-05-28	Awarded for the salvation of people while in mortal danger to the rescuer.
	File:GDR Medal for Selfless Action in the Fight Against Disasters ribbon.png	Medal for Fighting the Flood Disaster in July 1954 ()	1954-08-05	Awarded for selfless commitment, exemplary work and self-sacrifice in combating the floods and in the subsequent repairs of damages in Saxony, the Ore Mountains and the Elster Mountains in July 1954.
File:GDR Medal for Selfless Action in the Fight Against Disasters.jpg	File:GDR Medal for Selfless Action in the Fight Against Disasters ribbon.png	Medal for Selfless Action in the Fight Against Disasters ()	1957-08-15	Awarded for selfless dedication, exemplary assistance and personal sacrifice, as well as other outstanding services in preventing or combating disasters and eliminating their aftermath.
File:Medal for excellent performance in the water management of the GDR.jpg	File:Medal for excellent performance in the water management of the GDR ribbon.png	Medal for excellent performance in the water management of the GDR ()	1975-01-30	Awarded for excellent performance in the socialist competition as well as the fulfillment of, or zeal in the tasks set by the water management of the GDR, in connection with many years of activity in this field.
File:GDR Commemorative medal 20th anniversary of land reform.jpg	File:GDR Commemorative medal 20th anniversary of land reform ribbon.png	Commemorative medal 20th anniversary of land reform - democratic land reform ()	1965-07-27	Awarded for a special contribution to the implementation of land reform, the founding of agricultural cooperatives or to the socialist transformation of agriculture.
File:Medal of Honor for the 40th anniversary of the GDR.jpg	File:GDR Medal of Honour for the 40th anniversary of the GDR ribbon.png	Medal of Honour for the 40th anniversary of the GDR ()	1988-10-14	Awarded for outstanding achievements in the emergence and overall strengthening of the GDR and for the active participation in the design of the socialist society.
File:GDR Hufeland Medal.jpg	File:GDR Hufeland medal in bronze ribbon.png File:GDR Hufeland medal in silver ribbon.png File:GDR Hufeland medal in gold ribbon.png	Hufeland Medal ()	1958-09-13	The medal was awarded in three classes for special merit, exemplary initiative in socialist competition and the fulfillment of prescribed tasks in health and social services of the GDR. Also for many years of meritorious work in these areas as well as in administration and in the medical professions: Bronze Silver Gold
File:GDR Dr Theodor Neubauer Medal.jpg	File:GDR Dr Theodor Neubauer Medal ribbon bronze.png File:GDR Dr Theodor Neubauer Medal ribbon silver.png File:GDR Dr Theodor Neubauer Medal ribbon gold.png	Dr. Theodor Neubauer Medal ()	1959-08-20	The medal was awarded in three classes both to individuals and collectives for extraordinary contributions and achievements in the development of socialist education in the GDR: Bronze Silver Gold
	File:GDR Medal of Merit of the Maritime Industry in bronze ribbon.png File:GDR Medal of Merit of the Maritime Industry in silver ribbon.png File:GDR Medal of Merit of the Maritime Industry in gold ribbon.png	Medal of Merit of the Maritime Industry ()	1965-07-01	The medal was awarded in three classes for exemplary work successes through active and selfless commitment or longstanding meritorious activities in the field of maritime transport: Bronze Silver Gold
	File:GDR German Post Medal of Merit in bronze ribbon.png File:GDR German Post Medal of Merit in silver ribbon.png File:GDR German Post Medal of Merit in gold ribbon.png	Medal of Merit of the German Post ()	1970-11-19	The medal was awarded to individuals in three classes for outstanding achievements in the development of the postal and telecommunications system. Also for services in ensuring the constant operational readiness of the telecommunication systems: Bronze Silver Gold
File:GDR Medal of Merit of the German Railroads.jpg	File:GDR Medal for Merit for German Railroads 3rd Class BAR.png File:GDR Medal for Merit for German Railroads 2nd Class BAR.png File:GDR Medal for Merit for German Railroads 1st Class BAR.png	Medal of Merit of the German Railroads ()	1956-10-18	The medal was awarded in three classes for selfless service, for high achievements or for courage: 3rd class 2nd class 1st class
File:GDR Medal for Merit in the Peoples Control.jpg	File:GDR Medal for Merit in the Peoples Control ribbon 1st level.png File:GDR Medal for Merit in the Peoples Control ribbon 2nd level.png File:GDR Medal for Merit in the Peoples Control ribbon 3rd level.png	Medal of Merit in the People's Control of the GDR ()	1973-02-12	The medal was awarded in three classes for many years of exemplary work in the People's Control of the GDR and for excellent results in the control of the implementation of the resolutions of the SED and the government of the GDR: 3rd class 2nd class 1st class
File:GDR Pestalozzi Medal for Faithful Services.jpg	File:GDR Pestalozzi Medal for Faithful Services ribbon bronze.png File:GDR Pestalozzi Medal for Faithful Services ribbon silver.png File:GDR Pestalozzi Medal for Faithful Services ribbon gold.png	Pestalozzi Medal for Faithful Services ()	1956-11-15	The medal was awarded in three classes to teachers and educators of vacational and educational institutions of the GDR. 10 years (Bronze) 20 years (Silver) 30 years (Gold)
File:Medal for Long Service for Voluntary Helpers in Guarding State Borders.jpg	File:GDR Medal for Long Service for Voluntary Helpers in Guarding State Borders ribbon 5.png File:GDR Medal for Long Service for Voluntary Helpers in Guarding State Borders ribbon 10.png File:GDR Medal for Long Service for Voluntary Helpers in Guarding State Borders ribbon 15.png File:GDR Medal for Long Service for Voluntary Helpers in Guarding State Borders ribbon 20.png File:GDR Medal for Long Service for Voluntary Helpers in Guarding State Borders ribbon 25.png File:GDR Medal for Long Service for Voluntary Helpers in Guarding State Borders ribbon 30.png	Medal for Faithful Service for Voluntary Helpers in Guarding State Borders ()	1986-12-05	The medal was awarded in six classes: 5 years service (bronze) 10 years service (bronze) 15 years service (silver) 20 years service (silver) 25 years service (gold) 30 years service (gold)
File:GDR Medal for Faithful Service in Civil Aviation 40 year spange.jpg File:GDR Medal for Faithful Service in Civil Aviation.jpg	File:GDR Medal for Faithful Service in Civil Aviation in bronze ribbon.png File:GDR Medal for Faithful Service in Civil Aviation in silver ribbon.png File:GDR Medal for Faithful Service in Civil Aviation in gold level 1 ribbon.png File:GDR Medal for Faithful Service in Civil Aviation in gold level 2 ribbon.png File:GDR Medal for Faithful Service in Civil Aviation in gold level 3 ribbon.png File:GDR Medal for Faithful Service in Civil Aviation clasp ribbon.png	Medal for Faithful Service in Civil Aviation ()	1962-09-13	The medal was awarded in seven classes: 5 years service (bronze) 10 years service (silver) 15 years service (gold level 1) 20 years service (gold level 2) 30 years service (gold level 3) 35 years service (gold with honour clasp for women) 40 years service (gold with honour clasp for men)
File:GDR Medals for loyal service in the German railroads 40 year clasp.jpg File:GDR Medals for loyal service in the German railroads.jpg	File:GDR Medals for Loyal Service in the German Railroads 10 yrs ribbon.png File:GDR Medals for Loyal Service in the German Railroads 20 yrs ribbon.png File:GDR Medals for Loyal Service in the German Railroads 30 yrs ribbon.png File:GDR Medals for Loyal Service in the German Railroads honor clasp ribbon.png	Medal for Faithful Service in the German Railroads ()	1956-03-18	The medal was originally awarded in three classes increased to five in 1973: 10 years service (bronze) 20 years service (silver) 30 years service (gold) 35 years service (gold with honour clasp for women) 40 years service (gold with honour clasp for men)
File:GDR Medals for Long Service in Health and Social Services.jpg	File:GDR Medals for Long Service in Health and Social Services 10 years ribbon.png File:GDR Medals for Long Service in Health and Social Services 20 years ribbon.png File:GDR Medals for Long Service in Health and Social Services 30 years ribbon.png	Medal for Faithful Service in Health and Social Services ()	1973-11-15	The medal was awarded in three classes: 10 years service (bronze) 20 years service (silver) 30 years service (gold)
File:GDR Medal for Faithful Service in the German Post.jpg	File:GDR Medal for Loyal Service in the German Post Grade 1 ribbon.png File:GDR Medal for Loyal Service in the German Post Grade 2 ribbon.png File:GDR Medal for Loyal Service in the German Post Grade 3 ribbon.png File:GDR Medal for Loyal Service in the German Post gold clasp ribbon.png	Medal for Faithful Service in the German Post ()	1960-10-13	The medal was awarded in five classes: 10 years service (bronze) 20 years service (silver) 30 years service (gold) 35 years service (gold with honour clasp for women) 40 years service (gold with honour clasp for men)
File:GDR Medal for Faithful Service in the Volunteer Fire Department.jpg	File:GDR Medal for Loyal Service in the Voluntary Fire Department Grade 4 ribbon.png File:GDR Medal for Loyal Service in the Voluntary Fire Department Grade 3 ribbon.png File:GDR Medal for Loyal Service in the Voluntary Fire Department Grade 2 ribbon.png File:GDR Medal for Loyal Service in the Voluntary Fire Department Grade 1 ribbon.png	Medal for Faithful Service in the Volunteer Fire Department ()	1959-01-22	The medal was awarded in four classes: 10 years service (bronze) 20 years service (silver) 30 years service (gold) 40 years service (gold with ribbon device)
File:GDR Medal for Faithful Service in the Maritime Industry 40 year spange.jpg File:GDR Medal for Faithful Service in the Maritime Industry.jpg	File:GDR Medal for Loyal Service in the Shipping Industry Grade 3 ribbon.png File:GDR Medal for Loyal Service in the Shipping Industry Grade 2 ribbon.png File:GDR Medal for Loyal Service in the Shipping Industry Grade 1 ribbon.png	Medal for Faithful Service in the Maritime Industry ()	1965-07-01 Amended 1981-09-21	The medal was awarded in three classes: 10 years service (bronze) 20 years service (silver) 30 years service (gold) 35 years service (gold with honour clasp for women) 40 years service (gold with honour clasp for men)
File:Medal for Many Years of Duty to Strengthen the National Defense of the GDR.jpg	File:Medal for many years of duty to strengthen the national defense of the GDR bronze ribbon.png File:Medal for many years of duty to strengthen the national defense of the GDR silver ribbon.png File:Medal for many years of duty to strengthen the national defense of the GDR gold ribbon.png File:Medal for many years of duty to strengthen the national defense of the GDR gold special ribbon.png	Medal for Many Years of Duty to Strengthen the National Defense of the GDR ()	1974-08-08	The medal was awarded in four classes to employees of the Defense Industry: 10 years service (bronze) 20 years service (silver) 30 years service (gold) 35 years service for women, 40 for men (special gold)
	File:GDR Humboldts Medal - Higher Education - Bronze BAR.png File:GDR Humboldts Medal - Higher Education - Silver BAR.png File:GDR Humboldts Medal - Higher Education - Gold BAR.png	Humboldt Medal ()	1975-02-13	The medal was awarded in three classes for exemplary fulfillment of tasks at higher and technical colleges, also for many years of loyal service. Bronze Silver Gold

Ministerial and associative awards

Ministry of National Defence

Award	Ribbon bar	Name (English/German)	Date of creation	Description
File:GDR Medal for Merit in Reservist Work.jpg	File:GDR medal for merit in reservist work lvl 1 ribbon.png File:GDR medal for merit in reservist work lvl 2 ribbon.png File:GDR medal for merit in reservist work lvl 3 ribbon.png	Medal for Merit in Reservist Work ()	1985-05-28	The medal was awarded in three classes to reservists or veterans of military service, for outstanding services in the development and management of reservist work while not on reservist military service: Bronze Silver Gold
File:GDR Medal For Faithful Service in the National Peoples Army Reserve.jpg		Medal For Faithful Service in the National People's Army Reserve ()	1969	The medal was awarded in three classes: 18 to 24 months service (bronze) 2 to 10 years service (silver) More than 10 years service (gold)
File:GDR Jubilee Medal 30 Years of the National Peoples Army.jpg	File:GDR Ehrenmedaille 30 Jahre National Volksarmee BAR.png	Jubilee Medal 30 Years of the National People's Army ()	1986-03-01	The medal was awarded to a select group of people from the NVA, others receiving a related badge.

Ministry of Education

Award	Ribbon bar	Name (English/German)	Date of creation	Description
File:GDR Lessing Medal.jpg	File:GDR Lessing medal in silver ribbon.png File:GDR Lessing medal in gold ribbon.png	Lessing Medal ()	1950-04-28	Awarded in 2 classes for excellent performance and very good social and extra-curricular work in senior high school. Silver Gold

Combat Groups of the Working Class of the GDR

Award	Ribbon bar	Name (English/German)	Date of creation	Description
File:Commemorative Medal 20 Years of Combat Groups of the Working Class.jpg	File:Commemorative medal 20 years of fighting groups of the working class ribbon.png	Commemorative Medal 20 Years of Combat Groups of the Working Class ()	September 1973	The medal was awarded in a single class to deserving members of the combat groups of the working class.

Society for Sports and Technology

Award	Ribbon bar	Name (English/German)	Date of creation	Description
File:GDR Ernst Schneller Medals Bronze & Silver.jpg	File:GDR Ernst Schneller Medal ribbon bronze.png File:GDR Ernst Schneller Medal ribbon silver.png File:GDR Ernst Schneller Medal ribbon gold.png	Ernst Schneller Medal ()	1961	The medal was awarded in three classes for outstanding services in the education of youth in defense readiness: Bronze Silver Gold

Free German Youth Society

These were awarded to Free German Youth (F.D.J.) members;

Award	Ribbon bar	Name (English/German)	Date of creation	Description
File:GDR Artur Becker Medaille.jpg	File:Artur Becker bronc rib.png File:Artur Becker silver rib.png File:Artur Becker gold rib.png	Artur Becker Medal ()	1959	The medal was awarded in three classes for outstanding achievements in the socialist youth association: Awarded by city leadership (bronze) Awarded by county leadership (silver) Awarded by district leadership (gold)
File:Thälmann-Medaille,Bereit zur Verteidigung der Heimat.jpg	File:GDR Thalmann medal ribbon.png	Thalmann medal ()	1951-08-15	The medal was awarded to all participants of the peace demonstration of the Free German Youth.

Socialist Unity Party

These were conferred by the Socialist Unity Party (S.E.D.);

Award	Ribbon bar	Name (English/German)	Date of creation	Description
File:Medal of Honor for the 20th anniversary of the GDR.jpg	File:Medal of Honor for the 20th anniversary of the GDR ribbon.png	Medal of the 20th anniversary of the GDR ()	1969	The medal was awarded in a single class to members of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany and to honoured dignitaries.

See also

Germany

• Berlin
  • Berlin Wall
  • East Berlin
  • West Berlin
• History of East Germany
• History of Germany since 1945
• Inner German border
• Iron Curtain
• Leaders of East Germany
• Ministerrat
• West Germany

Armed Forces

• Conscientious objection in East Germany
• (Border troops)
• (Ground troops)
• (Air Force)
• National People's Army
• (Secret police)
• (Navy)
• (Police)

Media

• , GDR's main TV news show
• , a film about a mass evacuation to West Berlin through a tunnel
• East German Cold War Propaganda
• Good Bye, Lenin!, a tragicomedy film about the German reunification
• Radio Berlin International

Transport

• Barkas
• Template:SndThe railway company of the GDR
• Template:SndThe airline of the GDR
• Trabant
• Transport in the German Democratic Republic
• Wartburg

Other

• Education in the German Democratic Republic
• Index of East Germany-related articles
• GDR jokes
• (Nostalgia, missing the DDR)
• Dean Reed
• Sportvereinigung (SV) Dynamo
• Tourism in East Germany
• Omoiyari Yosan (DDR government→USSR Forces)
• Captive Nations
• Socialist orders of merit