The flag of Denmark, known as “Dannebrog” (Danish cloth) in Danish, is the national flag of the Kingdom of Denmark. It features a red field with a white Scandinavian cross that extends to the edges of the flag. The vertical part of the cross is shifted towards the hoist side. This distinctive design makes the Danish flag one of the oldest continuously used national flags in the world. The flag does not contain any coat of arms or other emblems.
What colors does the Danish national flag use?
The Danish national flag has a total of 2 colors: red and white. The exact color codes are given in the table below.
| Red | White | |
| HEX | #C8102E | #FFFFFF |
| RGB | 200, 16, 46 | 255, 255, 255 |
| CMYK | 0, 100, 80, 5 | 0, 0, 0, 0 |
| Pantone | 186 C | N. A. |
| RAL | 3028 | N. A. |
Meaning
The Dannebrog’s colors are said to symbolize valor (red) and peace (white). According to legend, the flag fell from the sky during the Battle of Lyndanisse in Estonia in 1219, turning the tide in favor of King Valdemar II and the Danish forces. While this story is likely mythical, it underscores the deep cultural significance of the flag to the Danish people.
History
Historically, the first documented use of the Dannebrog dates back to the 14th century. It was officially adopted as the national flag in 1854, although it had been in common use for centuries before. The Dannebrog holds a special place in Danish culture, often used in celebrations and as a symbol of national pride and unity.
What flags are similar to the Danish national flag?
Below are the national flags that resemble the Danish national flag.
- Flag of Finland: The flag of Finland features a blue Nordic Cross on a white background, similar to the Danish flag. This design reflects shared Nordic heritage and history.
- Flag of Norway: The flag of Norway displays a red Nordic Cross on a white background. Like Denmark, Norway’s flag reflects historical ties and shared Nordic symbolism.
- Flag of Sweden: The flag of Sweden consists of a blue field with a gold Nordic Cross. While the colors differ, the shared Nordic Cross design symbolizes the historical connections between Denmark and Sweden.