das  Bundesverdienstkreuz

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈbʊndəsfɛɐ̯ˌdɪnstˌkʁɔʏ̯ts/

🏅 What Exactly is *das Bundesverdienstkreuz*?

Das Bundesverdienstkreuz, officially the Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland (Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany), is the only general order of merit and thus the highest honour the Federal Republic of Germany can bestow for services to the common good. It is awarded by the Federal President (Bundespräsident).

There are several levels (Stufen) of the order, ranging from the Verdienstmedaille (Medal of Merit) to the Großkreuz besonderer Ausführung (Grand Cross Special Class). The award honours outstanding achievements in political, economic, social, and intellectual fields, as well as special services to the Federal Republic of Germany, for example, in social, charitable, and interpersonal areas.

Since it refers to a specific order shaped like a cross, the article is unambiguously das (neuter), derived from the base word "das Kreuz" (the cross). ⚠️ There are no other articles for this word.

The Grammar Behind the Honor

The word "Bundesverdienstkreuz" is a neuter noun (sächlich). Its declension is as follows:

Example Sentences

1. Der Bundespräsident überreichte ihm feierlich das Bundesverdienstkreuz am Bande.
   (The Federal President ceremoniously presented him with the Federal Cross of Merit on ribbon.)
2. Die Verleihung des Bundesverdienstkreuzes fand im Schloss Bellevue statt.
   (The awarding of the Federal Cross of Merit took place at Bellevue Palace.)
3. Mit dem Bundesverdienstkreuz werden besondere Leistungen gewürdigt.
   (Special achievements are honored with the Federal Cross of Merit.)
4. Viele engagierte Bürgerinnen und Bürger haben bereits Bundesverdienstkreuze erhalten.
   (Many dedicated citizens have already received Federal Crosses of Merit.)

Context and Usage: When is *das Bundesverdienstkreuz* Mentioned?

The word Bundesverdienstkreuz is primarily used in official and media contexts when discussing state honors and awards in Germany.

• Official Occasions: Award ceremonies (Verleihungszeremonien), announcements by the Office of the Federal President (Bundespräsidialamt).
• Media Coverage: News reports about honoring public figures, scientists, artists, volunteers, etc.
• Biographies: Mentioned as a significant award in a person's curriculum vitae (Lebenslauf).
• Everyday Language: Rather rare, usually only when discussing a specific award ceremony or as a symbol of high recognition (sometimes slightly ironically: "Dafür kriegst du jetzt aber kein Bundesverdienstkreuz!" - "You won't get a Federal Cross of Merit for that!").

It is important to use the term correctly and not confuse it with other orders or regional awards.

Memory Hooks for the Order 🧠

Mnemonic for the article: Think of "das Kreuz" (the cross). Like "das Eiserne Kreuz" (the Iron Cross) or simply "das Kreuz" on the wall – orders are often crosses, and Kreuz is neuter. Therefore: das Bundesverdienstkreuz.

Mnemonic for the meaning: Imagine someone receiving a shiny Kreuz (cross) pinned to their chest in the name of the Bund (Federation = Germany) for their great Verdienste (merits/services). Bund + Verdienst + Kreuz = The Federation's highest honor for merits, in the form of a cross.

Similar Honors and Opposites? 🤔

⚠️ Caution: Do not confuse it with military orders (like the Iron Cross from past eras) or the orders of merit of the German federal states (Bundesländer).

A Little Joke to Lighten Up 😄

Fragt Fritzchen seine Mutter: "Mama, bekommt Papa eigentlich auch mal das Bundesverdienstkreuz?"
Sagt die Mutter: "Nein, mein Schatz. Für das tägliche Überleben mit uns gibt es leider keine Orden."

Translation:
Little Fritz asks his mother: "Mom, will Dad ever get the Federal Cross of Merit?"
The mother replies: "No, my dear. Unfortunately, there are no medals for daily survival with us."

Verses about Merit ✨

Ein Kreuz, vom Bund verliehen,
Für Taten, die das Land erblühen.
Nicht Gold, nicht Macht, der wahre Lohn,
Ist Dankbarkeit von Nation.

Das Bundesverdienstkreuz, ein Zeichen klar,
Für Einsatz, der ganz wunderbar.
Am Band, am Stern, in Stufen fein,
Soll Deutschlands Dank für immer sein.

Translation:
A cross, awarded by the Federation,
For deeds that make the country bloom.
Not gold, not power, the true reward,
Is gratitude from the nation.

The Federal Cross of Merit, a clear sign,
For dedication, truly divine.
On ribbon, star, in levels fine,
May Germany's thanks forever shine.

Who or What Am I? 🕵️

Ich bin ein Kreuz, doch nicht aus Holz,
Ich zeige Deutschlands höchsten Stolz.
Verliehen für Verdienst und Tat,
Vom obersten im Staat.

Ich hänge oft an einem Band,
Bin Ehre für das ganze Land.
Man trägt mich stolz an Festestagen,

Wie mag mein ganzer Name lauten?

Lösung: Das Bundesverdienstkreuz

Translation:
I am a cross, but not of wood,
I show Germany's highest pride for good.
Awarded for merit and deed,
By the head of state, indeed.

I often hang upon a band,
Am honor for the entire land.
One wears me proudly on festive days,

What might my full name be always?

Solution: The Bundesverdienstkreuz (Federal Cross of Merit)

Interesting Tidbits 🧐

Word Composition

The word is a compound noun (Kompositum) made of three parts:

• Bund: Refers to the Bund (Federation), i.e., the Federal Republic of Germany.
• Verdienst: Stands for merit, service, or achievement being recognized.
• Kreuz: Denotes the shape of the order's insignia (cross).

Trivia

• Established on September 7, 1951, by the then Federal President Theodor Heuss.
• The design was created by Theodor Heuss himself and the artist Max Eugen Gube.
• It can also be awarded to foreigners.
• The lowest level is the Verdienstmedaille (Medal of Merit), the highest is the Großkreuz in besonderer Ausführung (Grand Cross Special Class), which is awarded very rarely.