Cottbus

About the place: Cottbus is a university city in the federal state of Brandenburg in northeastern Germany, situated on the Spree River. It is the second-largest city in Brandenburg and serves as a cultural and economic center of Lower Lusatia.

Flag Description: The flag of the city of Cottbus consists of a 3:5 ratio sheet with three horizontal stripes: a narrow red stripe at the top edge, a broad white stripe in the middle, and a narrow red stripe at the bottom edge. In the center of the broad white stripe is the city's coat of arms. The coat of arms features a silver (white) shield with a red crenellated castle wall with two spired towers and an open gate with a lowered portcullis. Suspended between the towers is an inescutcheon depicting a red crayfish pointing upwards.

Symbolism: The red and white colors are derived from traditional civic heraldry and historical Lusatian and Brandenburg motives. The castle wall and towers represent city rights, fortifications, and status as a historic stronghold. The red crayfish in the smaller shield is a traditional symbol of Cottbus originating from the Middle Ages, referencing the clean waterways around the city and local heritage.