There is no single name for the WWII German eagle, because several different eagles were in use. For the eagle worn on a uniform tunic or cap, collectors usually say the Wehrmacht eagle or the breast eagle. The state eagle and the party eagle are separate emblems with their own names.
The short answer
If you are looking at an eagle worn on a uniform, the usual collector term is the Wehrmacht eagle or breast eagle. If you need the name of a state or party emblem, use the German terms below.
The names you will see
Wehrmacht eagle or breast eagle
This is the everyday collector term for the uniform eagle. It refers to the eagle worn on the right breast of a tunic and on caps. Listings often add the branch, such as Army or Luftwaffe, to make the item clear.
Reichsadler (Reich eagle)
The Reichsadler is the state eagle. It was adopted as the national emblem in 1935 and was used on official flags, documents and state symbols. It is the eagle most people mean when they speak of the Reich.
Parteiadler (party eagle)
The Parteiadler was the emblem of the Nazi Party (NSDAP). It is a different design from the state eagle, and the two should not be treated as the same item.
Hoheitsabzeichen
In German, uniform eagles are often described as Hoheitsabzeichen, a term that refers to the official national emblem on uniforms. Usage varies between sources, so treat it as a useful reference term rather than a fixed rule.
Branch names
Each service had its own uniform eagle. The Army (Heer) eagle, the Luftwaffe eagle and the Navy (Kriegsmarine) eagle differed in design and materials. The Waffen-SS and police also used distinct designs. The WWII German eagle badge article covers the branch variants and how to check them.
Why the names get mixed up
Dealers, forums and reference articles use different terms, and some use a term loosely. A listing might say “Reich eagle” for a uniform breast eagle, or “party eagle” for a state emblem. The outlines are also similar at a glance, which adds to the confusion. Check the branch, the design and the context before you rely on a name.
Using the right term when you search or buy
- Use “Wehrmacht eagle” or “breast eagle” with the branch name, such as Army or Luftwaffe, to find uniform eagles.
- Use German terms, such as Reichsadler, Parteiadler and Hoheitsabzeichen, when you search archives and reference sites.
- Check that a listing names the branch and the type of eagle, and treat a vague label with caution.
- Remember that wartime eagles are subject to legal restrictions in Germany. The WWII German military badges guide explains the rules.
For the modern federal eagle, which has no swastika, see does Germany still use the eagle symbol.