After World War II, Germany was split into several different occupation zones. But later the different occupation zones were merged into East and West Germany. West Germany is where the modern German state gets its current traditions of medals and decorations from.
| Badge and ribbon | Name (English/German) | Creation date – cessation date | Description | Number awarded | |
| Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of GermanyVerdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, or Bundesverdienstorden, | 7 September 1951 | It's a golden cross enamelled in red | 260,429 |
| Badge and ribbon | Name (English/German) | Creation date – cessation date | Description | Number awarded |
| Pour le Mérite for the arts and sciencesPour le Mérite für wissenschaft und künste | 7 June 1740 (whole order) 31 May 1842 (separate class) 1952 (re-established) | men and women who through widespread recognition for their contributions to science and art have made an eminent name for themselves | Unknown | |