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An East German soldier, circa 1958

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Dating from 1958, this appears to be the earliest model Flächentarnmuster camouflage uniform. This design was introduced as a native German replacement for the Second World War Russian camouflage patterns. [Image: Daniel Peterson/The Crowood Press Ltd.]

Flächentarnmuster
German Democratic Republic

Known to some as Blumentarn ('flower camouflage') and dubbed Kartoffelmuster ('potato pattern') by soldiers of the National People's Army (German: Nationale Volksarmee, NVA), at least one East German publication refers to this camouflage as Flächentarnmuster ('faceted camouflage pattern'). It is a four-colour design, comprising irregularly leaf shaped blotches of black, medium green and red-brown on a light grey background, which was introduced by the NVA around 1958, as a replacement for the Second World War Russian camouflage pattern.

In addition to the basic uniform, much field equipment — such as magazine pouches, gas mask bags, rucksacks, shelter halves, canteen covers and instrument cases — was made in this pattern. Interestingly, the production of Flächentarnmuster uniforms and accessories continued until 1967, in spite of the introduction, in 1965, of the Strichmuster pattern.

camouflage data

1cm grid

Flächentarnmuster
1958–1967

Specimen of Flächentarnmuster

Specimen kindly supplied by Steve Grammont

Actual size: not known

 also known as:
  • Blumentarn ('flower camouflage')
  • Flächentarnmuster ('faceted camouflage pattern')
  • Kartoffelmuster ('potato pattern')
country of origin:

Deutsche Demokratische Republik

National flag: German Democratic Republic

German Democratic Republic
used by:
  • National People's Army (German: Nationale Volksarmee, NVA)

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