Flag of Denmark

Meaning and history of the flag of Denmark

Denmark's flag, known as the Dannebrog, is considered the oldest national flag still in continuous use in the world, with origins tracing back to the thirteenth century. It shows a red field with a white Scandinavian cross set toward the hoist side. According to legend, the flag fell from the sky during the Battle of Lyndanisse in 1219, securing victory for the Danes.

The off-center Nordic cross design became the model for the flags of the other Scandinavian countries, including Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland. The red field symbolizes the courage and strength of the Danish people, while the white cross represents Christianity and peace. The flag's official proportions are 28:37.

The Dannebrog holds an almost sacred status in Danish culture and is widely used at celebrations, birthdays, and festivities. Unlike in many other nations, Danes fly their flag in everyday and festive settings without strictly political overtones, making it a symbol deeply woven into national identity.

You can view the flag of Denmark in high resolution above and download it in several sizes for personal, educational or reference use. To explore more, visit the full Denmark profile, its map, or the current local time in Copenhagen.