BERLIN — As the World Cup fervor grips nations worldwide, Germans are showing their support in unique ways. Amidst the fanfare, however, the national colors of black, red, and gold are less prominently displayed, a reflection of the country's complex relationship with its flag and national pride.

In Germany, national symbols carry a weighty history. Since the Nazi era, expressions of national pride have often been viewed with suspicion, associated with the far-right. Post-WWII, Germany cultivated a sense of 'constitutional patriotism,' valuing democracy and the rule of law over traditional nationalism. This perspective shifted slightly during the 2006 World Cup hosted by Germany, a moment that allowed Germans to express pride more openly, albeit in a context tightly linked to soccer.

The resurgence of national symbols has been complicated by the rise of the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has co-opted these symbols in its rhetoric. This association has made other political groups wary of overt nationalism. The Left Party's World Cup watch party slogan, “No flags, no nationalism, no stress!” exemplifies this cautious approach.

Despite the controversies, a POLITICO poll shows that 60% of Germans feel proud to be German. However, the same survey indicates that the AfD is the party most associated with national pride, complicating the narrative around German identity.

German football captain Joshua Kimmich sees the World Cup as a chance to promote a "positive patriotism," distinct from the version propagated by the far right. He emphasizes the diversity of the German team as a reflection of the country itself and a model for unity and collective success.

As Germany competes on the global stage, the national colors do wave, but the story behind them remains layered and contentious, illustrating the ongoing struggle to define nationalism in a modern, democratic Germany.