Interested in German Eagle symbols? Learn more about German Eagle symbols adopted by the Third Reich…
There are many German eagle symbols that were used by the Nazi government in Germany. The use of the eagle is quite prevalent in European countries since their establishment. The German government went on to use the eagle as the national symbol. Initially the standard followed the depiction of the eagle’s head towards the right side in order to show it as a symbol of nationalism. Conversely when the eagle’s head was facing on the left it was shown to reflect the Nazi Party. However, this conventional system was not followed to the letter.
Different Symbols of The German Eagle
The basic eagle was shown facing right or left and mounted on entryways, pedestrian gateways, on top of gates or even on the corners of the buildings. It generally had a wreath of oak leaves firmly grasped in its claws and these leaves would surround the insignia of a swastika.
The different government and party organizations and their buildings would have these symbols affixed on their main entrances. Projects like the Autobahn bridges as well as many period structures show different types of German eagle symbols that feature the Reichs Eagle Hoheitszeichen in a prominent manner. Even though many statues, monuments and street signs were eroded of the German symbol after the occupation forces entered Germany, most of them still survive today minus the insignia of the swastika.
Multitude of Eagle Symbols in Germany
The eagle is also depicted in full form with thick legs and spread out wings flowing downwards as a protective gesture on top of a building entrance. Another type of symbol includes the eagle with its wingspan immensely stretched out and mounted on top of a wreath. This is considered the most basic style of the eagle symbol, which is also known as the iron eagle in Germany. Another style is the German eagle symbol with its wingspan partially stretched out and flanked by a soldier on each end.
While some images show the eagles sitting in a resting position, others show them watchful and alert ready to take off in flight. The two basic distinctions come from the fact that one eagle symbol is the actual depiction of the bird in 3-D and looks like a statue.
However the second distinction is the depiction of the eagle as a symbol and only the contours of its head are followed. It looks like a flat one dimension rectangle element that can be utilized on posters and uniforms as part of the Nazi party propaganda.
The more elaborate eagle symbols can be seen in different colors and actually look like statues with flared wings and decorated claws. From government buildings in Berlin to concentration camps in Austria and different parts of Europe, you can see the eagle symbol depicted prominently on all institutions and establishments that were previously under German occupation. Not only is the eagle prominent on these buildings but it also is evident on any infrastructural or architectural projects undertaken by the German government during its reign of power and terror.
