For background on the Bundesländer series, please see The Euro Information Website: FAQ- What is the Bundesländer series?.
Some design changes separate these issues from the four previous (2006-2009). The previous issues contained the long form name of Germany, Bundesrepublik Deutschland, at the top of the outer circle, with the twelve stars of the European Union completing the ring in semi-circular fashion. These next three designs render the twelve stars in a complete circle and replace the local long form name of the country with an abbreviation letter of the local short form name of the country: D for Deutschland. These design changes are in accordance with The Commission of the European Communities Recommendation of 19 December 2008 on common guidelines for the national sides and the issuance of euro coins intended for circulation.
The theme of the German 2011 Bundesländer 2 Euro commemorative circulation issue is 'Nordrhein Westfalen', the German state scheduled to hold the Presidency of the Bundesrat for that year and features the Hohe Domkirche St. Peter und Maria (High Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Mary), also known as Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), long admired for its striking Gothic architecture. The view is of the stunning south entrance. The Kölner Dom was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996.
This is the second time the Kölner Dom has been featured on a 2 Euro circulation commemorative coin, after the 2005 Vatican City issue commemorating World Youth Day.
The designer is credited as Heinz Hoyer, who has also designed two other German Bundesländer series 2 Euro circulation commemorative coins.

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