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| Day of the founding of the German Empire | |
|---|---|
-en.png) Map of the German Empire between 1871 and 1918 | |
| Observed by | German Empire |
| Date | 18 January |
| Next time | 18 January 2026 (2026-01-18) |
| Frequency | annual |
TheDay of the founding of the German Empire (German:Reichsgründungstag, 'Reich Founding Day') was an annual celebration on the anniversary of theproclamation of the German Empire on 18 January 1871 in thePalace of Versailles.[1]
TheNorth German Confederation had already officially adopted the name "German Reich" in itsConstitution by 1 January 1871, soconstitutionally speaking, 18 January was not the day of the founding.
Celebrations were held annually on 18 January. At centralised and local events, patriotic speeches were held and songs such asHeil dir im Siegerkranz, the unofficialanthem of the empire were sung. Celebrations also took place publicly during theWeimar Republic (1919–1933) and with the participation of high dignitaries.Nazi Germany only celebrated thefounding of the German Empire in the beginning.[further explanation needed]
East Germany completely abolished this custom. On 18 January 1971,West Germany issued a motif of special stamps for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Empire on 30Pfennig stamps (Michel catalogue 658 and 385) designed by theDeutsche Bundespost Berlin. This corresponded to the rate for a standard letter at the time. On 24 November 1971, a commemorative coin was struck with a nominal value of five Deutsche Marks which paid tribute to the same event.
Some adherents of thepolitical right continued this tradition. Also, some student connections celebratedReichsgründungskneipen (Imperial Founding Pubs).
