AFuAMvD
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Germany
A nationwide German Grand Lodge with local Lodges and its own route for prospective members.
Visit the official site ↗Country guide / Germany
Five Grand Lodges.
One voice.
Germany's regular Masonic structure is a federation. Five sovereign Grand Lodges share one public and international representative body.
01 / The foundation
An umbrella,
not a ruler.
The United Grand Lodges of Germany, or VGLvD, was founded in 1958. It represents more than 15,000 Freemasons across five regular member Grand Lodges.
The important distinction
Each member Grand Lodge remains independent. A Freemason joins a local Lodge under one of those five bodies, not the VGLvD itself.
02 / Connection map
How recognised German Freemasonry connects
Germany's recognised structure is a federation of sovereign Grand Lodges, not a progression ladder. Select a body to understand its place.
Foundation or authorityOrder, route or jurisdictionChristian qualification
Educational overview only. Recognition, eligibility and progression vary by jurisdiction. Always confirm current requirements with the relevant official body.
Visual orientation
Federation,
Federation,
not progression.
Germany is best understood as a federation of recognised sovereign Grand Lodges. The visual map supports that distinction by showing structure rather than a ladder of rank.
03 / The member bodies
Five sovereign
Grand Lodges.
They share the principles of regular Freemasonry while preserving different histories, languages and working traditions.
GLL FvD
Grand Landlodge of the Freemasons of Germany
Also known as the Freimaurerorden, this historic Grand Lodge follows its own established Masonic system.
Visit the official site ↗
GNML 3WK
Grand National Mother Lodge “The Three Globes”
One of Germany's historic Grand Lodge traditions, with Lodges working under its own constitution and system.
Visit the official site ↗
ACGL
American Canadian Grand Lodge
Supports Lodges in Germany rooted in American and Canadian Masonic traditions.
Visit the official site ↗
GL BFG
Grand Lodge of British Freemasonry in Germany
Serves Lodges working in a British Masonic tradition within Germany.
Visit the official site ↗This page maps the five regular Grand Lodges represented by the VGLvD. Other Masonic traditions exist in Germany but sit outside this guide's recognition scope.
04 / How it fits together
One federation.
Distinct traditions.
Sovereign members
Each Grand Lodge governs its own Lodges, membership and Masonic work.
Shared representation
The VGLvD speaks collectively in public and maintains international relationships.
Local membership
Your practical point of contact is a local Lodge under one of the five Grand Lodges.
Different systems
History, language and working style vary, so explore more than one route before deciding.
- 01Explore the five Grand Lodges
Compare their official sites, working traditions and Lodge locations.
- 02Find a nearby Lodge
Use the VGLvD Lodge finder or contact a member Grand Lodge directly.
- 03Start a conversation
Local Lodges normally arrange informal meetings before any formal application.
- 04Follow the local process
Requirements and timescales are set by the Lodge and its Grand Lodge.
Detailed resources
Explore every
order and body.
Each guide contains more than 1,000 words covering history, eligibility, structure, meetings, costs, identity, misconceptions and official sources.
Grand LodgeAncient Free and Accepted Masons of Germany
Germany's large humanitarian Grand Lodge, commonly abbreviated AFuAMvD, with Lodges across the country.
Read the complete guide →Grand Lodge and integrated systemGrand Landlodge of the Freemasons of Germany
The Christian Freimaurerorden founded in Berlin in 1770, with an integrated multi-stage ritual system.
Read the complete guide →Grand LodgeGrand National Mother Lodge The Three Globes
One of Germany's historic old-Prussian Grand Lodge traditions, commonly abbreviated GNML 3WK.
Read the complete guide →Grand LodgeAmerican Canadian Grand Lodge
A VGLvD member Grand Lodge supporting mainly English-language Lodges rooted in North American military communities.
Read the complete guide →Grand LodgeGrand Lodge of British Freemasonry in Germany
A VGLvD member Grand Lodge serving Lodges that work in British Masonic traditions within Germany.
Read the complete guide →06 / Verify & explore