Christian Democratic Union of Germany (Germany)

Christlich-Demokratische Union Deutschlands (CDU)

Last modified: 2002-09-21 by santiago dotor
Keywords: christian democratic union of germany | christlich-demokratische union deutschlands | cdu | letters: 3 (red) | eagle (yellow) | cross (black) | cross: fimbriated (black) |
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by Marcus Schmöger Flag used since c.1999

• Introduction
• Description
• Flag 1953-c.1970

See also:

• Christian-Social Union (Christlich-Soziale Union / CSU)
• Flags of Political Parties
• Germany

The CDU (Christlich-Demokratische Union Deutschlands, Christian-Democratic Union of Germany) is the biggest conservative, centre-right party in Germany. Its sister-party in Bavaria is the CSU — the CDU is active in the rest of Germany. Both parties together form a parliamentary group in the Bundestag. The CDU grew out of several christian-democratic groups formed after World War Two based on traditions of the Zentrum (Center Party) in the Weimar Republic and other groups.

• From 1949 to 1966 the CDU under chancellors Adenauer and later Erhard was the biggest party in centre-right coalitions.
• From 1966 to 1969 it formed together with the SPD a 'grand coalition' (under CDU chancellor Kiesinger).
• From 1969 to 1982 the CDU was in opposition to the SPD-FDP coalition government.
• From 1982 to 1998 a coalition (under Chancellor Kohl) of CDU, CSU and FDP formed the federal government.
• Since 1998 the CDU is once again in opposition (now under the leadership of Angela Merkel).

Marcus Schmöger, 18 May 2001

As with other parties, since the seventies the importance of logos grew and that of flags decreased. These logos change frequently, and so do the flags which display them. Up to now I have not obtained a conclusive information from the CDU on the use of flags. I have only been told that they currently use a dark blue flag with the logo. They do not know since when has this flag been in use.

The flag (in use at least since 1999) is dark blue with red inscription 'CDU' and four rectangles of (from left to right) black, red, gold and medium blue, the latter with yellow stars. Black, red and gold are the German national colours and the blue with the yellow stars symbolizes the European Union.

Sources:

• Rabbow 1965
• Rabbow 1970
• Electronic mails from CDU headquarters (with insufficient information)
• TV news (several occasions)

Marcus Schmöger, 18 May 2001

3:4
by Marcus Schmöger
Flag used 1953-c.1970

The CDU adopted its party flag during its convention in Hamburg 18-22 April 1953, the original resistance flag with a large yellow eagle added.

Dave Martucci, 4 May 1998

In 1953 the CDU adopted a flag based on the resistance flag proposal for a new German national flag. It showed a yellow-fimbriated black cross on red, with a yellow eagle overall. This flag steadily went out of use in the sixties and seventies.

Marcus Schmöger, 18 May 2001