History

The Medal was originally instituted to reward German citizens during the Goethe Centenary (1932), but it was continued as a national award by President Paul von Hindenburg, as well as Adolf Hitler. The decoration was conferred upon individuals in recognition of meritorious achievements in the fields of art and science.

The first model of this medal does not feature a swastika on the reverse.

The reverse of the second model features a swastika in a laurel wreath, which is held in the talons of an eagle.

The name of the recipient was engraved along the rim of the medal.