The German Cross in gold and silver was instituted by Adolf Hitler on 28 September 1941.

The German Cross in Gold ranked higher than the Iron Cross First Class but below the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, while the German Cross in Silver ranked higher than the War Merit Cross First Class with Swords but below the Knight's Cross of the War Merit Cross with Swords.

A German Cross in Gold being awarded to a member of a u-boat flotilla

Award Criteria

The German Cross in Gold

Repeated acts of bravery or achievement in combat.

The German Cross in Silver

Distinguished non-combat war service.

The German Cross in Gold and Silver

German Cross in wear

The German Cross in Gold and Silver - Cloth versions

The cloth version of the German Cross in wear