It is comparable to a service medal but can be awarded to civilians as well as soldiers.
The Nazi Party (NSDAP) awarded the NSDAP-Dienstauszeichnung (Nazi Party Long Service Award) for 25 (Gold), 15 (Silver) and 10 (Bronze) years' service, while the SS awarded a separate SS-Dienstauszeichnung for 4, 8, 12 and 25 years of service.
The Wehrmacht awarded the 4-class Dienstauszeichnung for 4 (silver medal); 12 (gold medal); 18 (silver cross) and 25 (gold cross) years' service, with oak leaves on the first class for 40 years.
From 1849 it awarded a cross made out of cannon-metal for military service.
This article related to orders, decorations, and medals is a stub.