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The flag of Schleswig-Holstein consists of three horizontal stripes: blue, white, and red. The colors derive from the heraldry of the two historical duchies: blue and gold from Schleswig (lions on gold), and red and silver from Holstein (silver nettle leaf on red). The state service flag (Dienstflagge) additionally bears the state coat of arms centered across the stripes. The flag was officialized by state law on 18 January 1957.
The coat of arms of Schleswig-Holstein is divided per pale. Dexter half (Schleswig): two blue lions passant on a gold field — the historical arms of the Duchy of Schleswig, derived from the medieval royal arms of Denmark. Sinister half (Holstein): a silver nettle leaf (Holsteinisches Nesselblatt) on a red field — the distinctive heraldic charge of the County and Duchy of Holstein, in use since the 13th century. The shield is ensigned with the people's crown. The arms were officialized by state law on 18 January 1957.