Topic 4: Political Symbols of Germany

Lesson 7: What are some national symbols of Germany and the U.S.?

Lesson Objective

The student will identify similarities and differences between U.S. and German natural symbols.

Materials and Resources

Handout 11 - “History of the German Flag, Coat of Arms and the National Anthem”
Handout 12 - “National Flags”
Handout 13 - “National Seals”
Handout 14 - “National Anthems”
Worksheet 19 - “National Symbols”

Strategies

Distribute Handout 12 “National Flags”, Handout 13 “National Seals”, Handout 14 “National Anthems” and Worksheet 19 “National Symbols”. Have students examine the symbols on the handouts in order to complete the worksheet. Then, as a summary ask the class to discuss how anthems, flags and national seals are suitable to promote a national consciousness and unity.

For enrichment, distribute Handout 11 “History of the German Flag, Coat of Arms and the National Anthem” and ask students to research the historic background of the selection, creation and symbolism of U.S. political symbols (e.g. Betsy Ross and the U.S. flag; the selection of the bald eagle over the turkey as our national emblem; Francis Scott Key and the Star Spangled Banner).

Background Information

Unlike people living in the 50 states in the U.S., most German citizens nowadays do not relate emotionally to political symbols such as the flag, the federal coat of arms, or the national anthem. This reserved position is based on the nationalistic experiences of the Nazi-period 1933-1945, when the nation was totally manipulated by the ministry of propaganda via national symbols and slogans. German political symbols do exist, however.

The students can listen to the melody of the German national anthem on the internet:

http://www.nationalhymne.de/HYMNE/ Deutschland/MELODIE/