It consists of a shield and has a green band of the original weapon of Weena, bisected by a white band symbolizes the Rotte, two golden lions, and four lions, two black and two red on a gold field, and the motto of Rotterdam.

To the surrender of Rotterdam, the weapon was given by William I, Count of Holland and Hainaut in thanks for the support of the lords of the Court of Wena in its fight against Flanders in 1304.

After World War II the motto Sterker door strijd (Stronger through effort) was added to the coat arms of Rotterdam.

The Queen of the Netherlands wanted to remember the role of the citizens of Rotterdam during World War II and created a motto consisting of the Dutch words "Sterker door strijd", meaning "Stronger through effort".

[2] In January 1948, Wilhelmina presented the motto as part of the coat of arms of Rotterdam to the city government.