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The flag of Bremen, known as the 'Speckflagge' (bacon flag) due to its appearance, consists of at least eight horizontal stripes alternating red and white, with a square checkered red-and-white pattern on the hoist side spanning all stripes. The state service flag (Dienstflagge) additionally bears the middle coat of arms (silver key with crown) centered in the field. The red-and-white colors are the historical colors of Bremen and recall the city's status as a Hanseatic League member. The flag was confirmed by state law in 1952.
The coat of arms of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen features a silver key tilted at an angle, bit upward and facing right, on a red field — the 'Bremer Schlüssel'. The key, traditionally identified as the key of Saint Peter (patron saint of Bremen Cathedral), has been the city's heraldic symbol since at least the 13th century. The greater arms (Großes Wappen) are supported by two crowned golden lions rampant and ensigned with a five-towered mural crown, reflecting Bremen's status as a free Hanseatic city of the Holy Roman Empire. The middle arms bear only the crown without supporters, while the lesser arms show only the shield. The current forms were adopted in 1891 and confirmed by state law in 1949.