The Federal President may award the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany) for achievements in the field of political, economic-social and intellectual work for the reconstruction of the fatherland and for special services to the Federal Republic of Germany. The Prime Minister in particular is entitled to nominate citizens from Thuringia.

The suggestion for this can come from each citizen. After examination of the merits by obtaining appropriate opinions, a vote on the merits of the suggestion and on the possible level of the Order is submitted to the Minister President.