Germanic Proficiency Runes

The Germanic Achievement Rune (Germanische Leistungsrune) was an award for members of the Waffen-SS, in keeping with National Socialist ideology, during the Second World War. It was instituted by Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler on August 15, 1943, and depicts the SS victory rune on a swastika.

This badge was earned in bronze and silver grades after a three-part test, which consisted of

individual performance

team performance and

an ideological examination (a two-hour written test and an oral examination).

According to the founding decree, it was intended to be “an incentive for physical training and military education in the spirit of the National Socialist worldview and a confirmation of the voluntary commitment to the Germanic community of shared destiny.”

Since, alongside the swastika, the victory rune is the symbol that most clearly points to National Socialist ideas, the use of this sign is a criminal offense in Germany (see Use of Symbols of Unconstitutional Organizations). Likewise, under the 1957 Law on Titles, Orders and Decorations, wearing this award in Germany is not permitted.