flag
Loading your saved state.
flag
A piece of cloth with a specific pattern and colors that serves as a symbol for a country, organization, or group and is often attached to a pole.
Vor dem Rathaus weht die deutsche Flagge.
The German flag is flying in front of the town hall.
to show one's colors
To openly acknowledge one's opinion, conviction, or affiliation.
In der aktuellen Debatte ist es wichtig, Flagge zu zeigen und für seine Werte einzustehen.
In the current debate, it is important to show one's colors and stand up for one's values.
Certain verbs are often combined with 'Flagge' (flag): you can 'hissen' (hoist) a flag, 'einholen' (lower) it, or 'auf halbmast setzen' (set it at half-mast) as a sign of mourning.
Jeden Morgen wird vor dem Gebäude die Flagge gehisst.
Every morning, the flag is hoisted in front of the building.
The idiom 'Flagge zeigen' (to show one's colors) means to publicly and clearly stand by one's opinion or position, especially in a difficult situation.
Es ist an der Zeit, in der Klimadebatte klar Flagge zu zeigen.
It is time to clearly show our colors in the climate debate.
Another important idiom is 'unter falscher Flagge segeln' (to sail under a false flag). It means that someone hides their true identity or intention and presents themselves as something else.
Der Spion operierte jahrelang unter falscher Flagge.
The spy operated under a false flag for years.
flag
Both Flagge and Fahne can refer to a national or organizational symbol made of fabric. Flagge is particularly common in factual and official contexts, while Fahne often sounds more traditional or stylistically different. When referring to a symbol on a pole, both words are therefore usually possible.
Vor dem Rathaus weht die Flagge des Landes im Wind.
The country's flag is waving in the wind in front of the town hall.
Beim traditionellen Vereinsfest wurde die Fahne des Vereins gehisst.
The club's flag was raised at the traditional club festival.
