What is the official name of Denmark’s national flag?

The official name of Denmark’s national flag is Dannebrog. The name is commonly translated as “the cloth of the Danes” or “the Danes’ cloth,” although its exact linguistic origin is debated.

Dannebrog is a red flag bearing a white Scandinavian cross whose vertical arm is shifted toward the hoist. This cross design became influential across northern Europe and inspired the flags of several other Nordic countries, including Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland.

A popular Danish legend says the flag fell from the sky during the Battle of Valdemar in Estonia on 15 June 1219. Historians treat that story as a later tradition rather than contemporary evidence. The flag’s documented history is much later, but Denmark’s cross design is among the world’s oldest national flag traditions.

Dannebrog is also used by the Danish monarchy, armed forces and many civilians. It appears at birthdays, national celebrations and other occasions, making flag-flying an especially visible part of Danish public life.