Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland (Bundesverdienstkreuz)

The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany is the highest recognition given by the Federal Republic of Germany for services to the common good. It is awarded to domestic and foreign citizens for political, economic-social and intellectual achievements as well as for all special services to the Federal Republic of Germany (for example, for services in the social, charitable and human fields).

The Order of Merit is awarded in 8 different levels. The first award is generally the Medal of Merit or the Cross of Merit on Ribbon.

A financial contribution is not associated with the award of the Order of Merit.
 

Anyone can encourage the award of the Order of Merit to another person. The excitation is informal. However, it is required in writing (also possible by e-mail) and should contain the following information about the person nominated:

• First name and surname, residential address, if possible: date of birth
• Presentation of the nature and extent of the special services rendered to the Federal Republic of Germany and the general welfare
  (It may be helpful to designate reference persons or organisations who can comment on the proposal)

Anyone who suggests his own award cannot expect to be awarded the Order of Merit according to the regulations of the order. Nor can the Order of Merit be awarded posthumously.

Formal proposals for the order are submitted to the Federal President by the heads of government of the 16 federal states for their "state children", the Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs for foreigners or for Germans residing abroad and the respective Federal Minister for his employees. As a matter of principle, the Federal President bases his decision on their examination results and applications and only awards medals in consensus with them.
 

The Hessian State Chancellery is responsible for processing the suggestions for Hessian citizens.