coat of arms
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coat of arms
A permanent, colorful symbol in the shape of a shield that serves as an identifying mark for a person, family, city, or state.
Das Wappen von Berlin zeigt einen aufrecht stehenden Bären.
The coat of arms of Berlin shows an upright bear.
The word 'Wappen' (coat of arms) is historically related to the word 'Waffen' (weapons). Originally, it referred to the painted armor or shield of a knight, which served as an identifying mark in battle.
Jede Adelsfamilie hatte ihr eigenes Wappen.
Every noble family had its own coat of arms.
With 'Wappen' (coat of arms), the verbs 'führen' (to bear/use) or 'tragen' (to bear/carry) are often used to express that a family, city, or country has a particular coat of arms as its official symbol.
Die Stadt München führt ein Kind im Wappen.
The city of Munich bears a child in its coat of arms.
'Wappen' (coat of arms) is frequently used with a genitive construction or the preposition 'von' (of) to show belonging. Typical formulations are 'das Wappen einer Stadt' (the coat of arms of a city) or 'das Wappen der Familie' (the family's coat of arms).
Das Wappen von Bayern zeigt blaue und weiße Rauten.
The coat of arms of Bavaria shows blue and white lozenges.
emblem
A Wappen and an Emblem are both used as permanent identifying symbols. However, a Wappen is specifically a colorful symbol in the shape of a shield, whereas an Emblem can also be another symbolic image or sign. Use “Wappen” for the shield shape and “Emblem” for a broader type of symbol.
Das Wappen der Stadt ist auf einem farbigen Schild am Rathaus zu sehen.
The city’s coat of arms can be seen on a colorful shield at the town hall.
Das Emblem der Organisation ist auf den Jacken der Mitglieder zu sehen.
The organization’s emblem can be seen on the members’ jackets.
