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International Women's Day in Germany: Flowers and Gift Ideas

International Women's Day (Frauentag) is on 8 March and a public holiday in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Here is how it is marked and which flowers to give.

By Aydin 1 October 2026 3 min read

International Women's Day in Germany: Flowers and Gift Ideas

International Women's Day, known in Germany as Frauentag or Weltfrauentag, takes place on 8 March. It is a day to celebrate women's achievements and to keep attention on equality. For many people it is also a chance to say a simple thank you to the women in their lives, and flowers are one of the easiest ways to do that.

At a glance

Date: 8 March, every year.
Public holiday: only in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Good flowers: tulips, spring mixes and roses in soft or bright colours.
Card line: Alles Gute zum Frauentag!

How Frauentag is marked in Germany

The day has a long history in Germany. It goes back to the early 20th century, when the women's movement campaigned for the right to vote. In the former East Germany (GDR), 8 March was an important day on which women often received flowers at work. That tradition still feels familiar to many families in the eastern states.

Today the day is a mix of public events, discussions and private gestures. Berlin made 8 March a public holiday in 2019, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern followed in 2023. Everywhere else it is a normal working day, so a delivery at home or at the office both work.

Who to send flowers to

Mothers and grandmothers: a warm reminder ahead of Mother's Day in May. See Mother's Day in Germany.
Partners: a personal bouquet with a thoughtful card.
Friends and sisters: a cheerful spring mix that says "I appreciate you".
Colleagues and mentors: a small, friendly bouquet. Keep it modest, as with any gift at work. See flowers for colleagues and clients.

Which flowers to choose

Early March is the start of the tulip season, so spring flowers feel just right:

Tulips: fresh, light and full of colour. Browse tulips and read our tulip guide.
Pink roses: admiration and gratitude without an overly romantic message. See pink roses.
Mixed bouquets: easy to love and suitable for almost anyone. See our Women's Day collection and mixed flowers.
Yellow flowers: in Italy, sprigs of yellow mimosa are the traditional Women's Day gift. Any bright yellow bouquet carries the same sunny spirit.

Tip: red roses send a romantic message. They are perfect for a partner, but choose pink, yellow or a mixed bouquet for colleagues and friends.

Add something small

Flowers are enough on their own, but a small extra can make the gift feel complete: chocolates, a cake to share or a little hamper. Browse cakes or our gifts for friends.

Write a card that means something

The most memorable Women's Day messages name something specific. Instead of a general "happy Women's Day", say what you admire. A few ideas:

Alles Gute zum Frauentag! All the best for Women's Day!
Danke, dass du immer für mich da bist. Thank you for always being there for me.
Du inspirierst mich jeden Tag. You inspire me every day.

More ideas are in our guide on what to write on a flower card.

Sending flowers from abroad

If you live outside Germany, you can still send a bouquet for 8 March. Have the full address and a phone number ready, and read how to send flowers to Germany. Delivery is a flat €7 wherever in Germany the flowers are going.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is on 8 March every year.

Only in some states. Berlin made it a public holiday in 2019 and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern followed in 2023. In the rest of Germany it is a normal working day.

It is less widespread than in some Eastern European countries, but flowers are a welcome and increasingly common gesture, especially among friends, family and colleagues.

Tulips, mixed spring bouquets and roses in soft or bright colours are popular. Mimosa is a traditional Women's Day flower in Italy.

Yes, if the gesture is friendly and modest. A small mixed bouquet is safer than red roses, which feel romantic.

Something simple such as Alles Gute zum Frauentag (all the best for Women's Day), followed by a sentence about why the person matters to you.