105+ German Tattoo Ideas That Will Have You Full of Pride

From the German eagle to football designs, there are so many German tattoos for you to choose from.

Even though I live in the US, I've had a lot of clients who have got German-inspired tattoos from me over the years.  I love listening to the stories about their ancestors and also learning lots of interesting facts about Germany along the way.

In this post, I will be introducing you to the top German tattoo ideas and giving you some insight into what each tattoo design can mean for you. Let's begin!

The Best German Tattoo Designs

Here are the top German tattoos that you should consider:

Imperial Eagle Tattoos

Well, there is no better place to start with ideas for a German tattoo than with the German eagle tattoo or the Imperial eagle tattoo. This is arguably one of the most important German symbols as the Federal eagle is found on the German flag.

The History of the German Eagle Tattoo

However, this isn't the only reason that the German eagle and the German eagle tattoo is important to German culture.

The reality is that the German eagle has a long and rich history. Although it is now known as the German eagle or the Federal eagle, the bird was originally associated with the Holy Roman Empire.

This is because the Roman Empire conquered certain parts of Ancient Germany. During this time, the two regions set up a trade. The German eagle was given to Germanic nobleman. It signaled that they were under the protection of the Empire.

Of course, the Holy Roman Empire was eventually driven out of Germany but the German eagle remained a prominent and powerful symbol of German heritage.

Part of this probably had to do with the fact that the eagle is associated with intelligence, bravery, and power. As a result, the German eagle was an appropriate symbol for the country.

Minimalistic German Eagle Tattoos

There are actually a few different German eagle tattoo ideas you can choose from.

Do you want to keep your German eagle tattoo simple? If so, you could get a minimalistic German eagle tattoo.

This means only having a general outline as a German eagle tattoo. Also, you can color your entire German eagle tattoo in black. If this is the kind of tattoo design that you are interested in, then here are some German eagle tattoos to consider:

Detailed German Eagle Tattoos

If you want to go all out with your German eagle tattoo, though, you can do this as well. When you get a more detailed German eagle tattoo, make sure to look to the flag for inspiration. This will show you precisely which elements to include.

With more complex German eagle tattoos, you can choose to use only black or grey in your German eagle tattoo. This is a great option if you are going for a more gothic vibe for your German eagle tattoo.

Of course, if you would like to brighten up the look of your German eagle tattoo, you can strategically add some color here and there - some yellow and red will work best on your German eagle tattoo.

You can also have the German eagle or the black eagle grasping the golden banner.

Coat of Arms German Eagle Tattoos

There are several people who use the German eagle as a coat of arms. If this is the kind of aesthetic that you want to go for with your German eagle tattoo, there are a few ideas to choose from.

You can have the German eagle grasping a shield with the colors of the flag in its feet. These are some German eagle tattoos to take inspiration from:

Or, you can have the shield on the chest of the German eagle. Check out these German eagle tattoos to see if you prefer this German tattoo idea

Creative German Eagle Tattoos

Maybe you like the idea of German eagle tattoos, but you don't want to do the same thing that everyone else has done with their German tattoo.

If you're looking for more creative German eagle tattoos, you're in luck as there are many German tattoo designs to choose from.

For instance, you could make your German eagle tattoo like it is engraved in stone. Or, you can even put a more modern spin on the traditional German eagle tattoos.

In any case, here are the German eagle tattoos that you should go through for inspiration for your German tattoo:

A Note About the German Eagle Tattoo

Before you go ahead with your German eagle tattoo, I should remind you to be careful of the design you choose.

While the German eagle - and the German eagle tattoo - has an ancient and proud history, it also has a dark one. This is because it was included in a coat of arms for Nazi Germany.

Of course, the German eagle or the Federal eagle that you find on the flag is different to the one used by the Nazis, but there are similarities. If you want to make sure that your German eagle tattoo doesn't offend anybody, make sure that you steer clear of any hate symbols.

German Flag Tattoos

Well, what better way to show off pride for your German culture than getting a German flag tattoo?

For one thing, the national flag holds a lot of significance. This is why it is one of the ultimate German symbols and makes a great German tattoo.

The reality is that the German flag has gone through many changes over the years. The red, black, and gold that you see today was likely borrowed from the Holy Roman Empire.

During the Weimar Republic, the German flag symbolized centrist, Republican, and Democratic parties. However, throughout the years, these colors have also been used to symbolize democracy and freedom.

In any case, there are many ways you can make this German tattoo work for you.

Minimalistic German Tattoo Designs

Want to keep your flag simple? If so, you can just get the three colors in the correct order for your German tattoo.

If you would like to add a bit more interest to your German tattoo design, you can have the flag waving in the wind.

Here are the German tattoo designs you can consider:

Creative German Tattoo Designs

While a simple German flag tattoo may be a symbol of patriotism, it can also be a tad bit boring.

In this case, there are a few different creative German tattoo designs to consider.

For instance, your German tattoo design could include an eagle. Or, your German tattoo could look like the flag is just underneath ripped skin.

There are so many options to choose for your German tattoo design.

German Flag Colors Tattoos

There is no need to get a flag design for your German tattoo design. As long as you include the three colors of the national flag, you can prove your allegiance to your country and German culture.

So, your German tattoo can consist of various elements and simply include the red, black, and yellow.

For instance, your German tattoo design could include shapes like hearts or stars. Or, you could use the colors for a German tattoo that consists of butterflies or even a skull.

If you're half German, you may want to consider combining both your nationalities in a tattoo. Just check out the German colors being used in a four leaf clover. It's such a creative and fun idea!

Iron Cross Tattoos

I want to start off by saying that the Iron Cross tattoo design is a controversial German tattoo.

The Iron Cross was once associated with courage and bravery. It was a medal given to soldiers who had gone above and beyond in the battlefield.

When Germany was under Nazi rule, a Swastika was superimposed over the Iron Cross and given to those who had served the Nazi party well.

Once Germany was no longer under Nazi control, the Swastika was removed and the Iron Cross regained its original meaning.

Today, this symbol is used all across the world, including in company logos. So, as long as you don't include a hate symbol in your Iron Cross tattoo, you should be fine!

Here are the German tattoo design ideas you can choose from:

Brandenburg Gate Tattoos

I will say that Brandenburg gate tattoos are far and few in between. However, if you wish to get a meaningful German tattoo design, you should consider this idea as an option.

For one thing, the wall has seen some of the most historic events in the world - from the invasion of Napoleon to the bringing down of the Berlin Wall.

The Brandenburg gate has a unique association to the Wall. When the Berlin Wall was first erected, West and East Germans were barred from approaching it as it was in a restricted area.

Once the wall came down, however, it became a symbol of unity and hope for the future. So, if you're looking for a beautiful German tattoo, this is a good choice.

Cornflower Tattoos

You may not have considered a cornflower for a German tattoo, but you should. Did you know that the cornflower is the national flower of Germany?

The cornflower works well as a German tattoo design because it symbolizes strength, courage, and resilience. It is often associated with soldiers.

This also makes it a great German tattoo design because the flowers supposedly helped people find love. Unmarried men and women would wear the flowers behind their ears on in their buttonholes to signal that they were single and ready to find a partner.

Here are the German tattoo design ideas that you can try out:

Oak Tree Tattoos

The oak tree is the national tree of Germany. This is a vast and solid tree that represents the strength and longevity of Germany and her people.

The oak tree makes for a great German tattoo design as ancient Germanic councils used to hold their meetings beneath this mighty tree.

Such a German tattoo design is also a great symbol for wanting to feel more connected to your roots. This German tattoo may help you to feel like you truly are a part of the country's history and past.

Dirndl and Lederhosen Tattoos

It goes without saying that the national clothes and costumes of Germany are iconic. Even non-Germans are familiar with them.

If you want a German tattoo that links you to the past or the more classic elements of your culture, these are certainly German tattoos you may want to get.

You can get a German tattoo of either dirndl or lederhosen or get both in the same German tattoo design.

Oktoberfest Tattoos

Oktoberfest is a festival that may have its roots in Germany but it is now celebrated around the world. It is an important part of German culture.

With this German tattoo, you have the option of getting an image of people enjoying Oktoberfest or you can just have mugs or bottles of beer as a symbol of it.

Football Tattoos

Football is arguably one of the most popular pastimes in the country. Not only does everyone root for the national team, but every German has their own favourite club.

In any case, this is the perfect German tattoo if you want a link to Germany as well as one of your favorite sports.

You can choose to get the logo of your team, the colors, or even get a full jersey if there is a player that you really like. There are a lot of ways that you can show off your love for German football.

Here are some German tattoo design ideas that you can borrow from:

Are Tattoos Popular in Germany?

Yes, tattoos are quite popular in Germany. It is estimated that one in five people have a tattoo - what is even more interesting is that more women than men have tattoos in Germany.

Of course, not everyone gets a German tattoos. Although many want to showcase their pride in their country, others may get more personalized tattoo designs.

It doesn't matter if you want to look to the past or the present, there are a lot of German tattoo design ideas to choose from. Even if you haven't grown up in Germany, you can still find different designs and elements to include in your tattoo so that it feels more personal to you. Good luck in finding the right tattoo design!