On October 3, 1990, the official ceremony marking German reunification was held in Berlin, as the five states formerly belonging to East Germany joined the Federal Republic of Germany. Today, Germany is broadly integrated across the political, economic, and social spheres — including its military. But when East and West Germany became one, the question arose: which uniform would the unified armed forces wear?
1991年10月3日，兩德統一慶典在柏林舉行，原屬東德的五個邦加入德意志聯邦共和國。時至今日德國內部在政治經濟和社會廣泛融合，包括軍隊，那麼東西德統一後，穿甚麼軍服呢？
Two Very Different Military Traditions
East Germany's uniforms were predominantly grey, often featuring the distinctive Strichtarn "rain pattern" camouflage. These designs were widely seen as carrying over elements from the Prussian and Nazi eras — the colors, the tailoring, and the cap shapes all leaned toward the classic and the severe. The overall aesthetic was unmistakably "German" in character: combining German rigor and precision with a distinct flavor of communist-era styling.
東德的軍服多為灰色及雨點迷彩，被認為沿襲自普魯士及納粹時期的設計元素，顏色、剪裁、帽型等較為經典嚴謹，外觀「德味」濃重：有德國人嘅嚴謹, 又有共產主義嘅味道
West Germany, by contrast, favored field grey and grey-green tones, reflecting a NATO- and American-influenced approach defined by a high degree of practicality. The designs were clean, loose-fitting, and built with an emphasis on mobility and adaptability to varied combat terrain.
西德則以原野灰、灰綠為主，偏向北約和美國作風，高度實用主義，設計簡潔、寬鬆、注重機動性和適應多地形作戰需要。
One Uniform for a Unified Nation
Following reunification, Germany adopted the uniform of the West German Bundeswehr — characterized by its field-grey color, understated tailoring, and the iconic Iron Cross insignia — as the sole official uniform for the entire nation. East German-style uniforms, cap badges, and shoulder boards were comprehensively abolished and discontinued.
From Standard Issue to Collector's Treasure
As a result, the old East German uniforms are no longer worn publicly and are now regarded as historical artifacts. The distinctive and historically evocative accessories of the former East German military — Strichtarn rain-pattern rucksacks, leather boots, leather magazine pouches, the distinctive M56 steel helmet, and East German medals that blended Soviet design conventions with a touch of German flavor — have become especially prized items among collectors today.
德國在統一後，德國以西德聯邦國防軍制服（以原野灰色、剪裁低調、標誌鐵十字為特色）作為全國唯一正式制服，東德式制服、帽徽、肩章全面取消和廢止。
因此，東德舊制服不再公開穿著，被視為歷史文物，以往甚有特色及歷史氣味的配件如雨點迷彩背包、牛皮靴、皮革彈夾包、M56特型鋼盔及蘇聯體系略混德國味的東德勳章等，更加是收藏家青睞的單品呢。
Like New East German Overseas Cap
