The words German motorcycle helmet typically do not mean a helmet manufactured in Germany. Rather, they communicate a given style of motorcycle helmet with a distinctive look and design.

Specifically, German motorcycle helmets present the well-known, distinctive design of the combat helmets worn by World War II German soldiers, as seen in movies, television shows, and old photographs.

Origins of the modern-day German motorcycle helmet can be traced back to the 1920s and 1930s, when the German government began re-designing the World War I steel helmet worn by military personnel.

One particular style of gear that remains popular to this day is the German motorcycle helmet. The motorcycle first came to be in the days of WWII during which they were put into use for many of the soldiers so they could get around more easily. Those that rode the motorcycles also wore protective gear, some styles of which still exist today and are quite popular in the motorcycle market.

German motorcycle helmet construction has come a very long way from the WWII-era M35, M40, and M42 combat helmets from which they descend. Typically, bikers choose a helmet based foremost on price, followed by looks, comfort, and safety – in that order. As far as a modern DOT approved German motorcycle helmet goes, the classic shapes of the M35, M40, and M42 combat helmets remains unchanged while both the comfort and safety factors come from a whole new world.

To get an idea of the advancements a modern German style motorcycle helmet, DOT-compliant ones at least, offers today's biker, take a look at these two photos:

As you can see, the original WWII-era German helmet uses a simple leather web liner on the inside. While a leather web liner may offer comfortable wear and easy re-sizing, it obviously isn't going to provide any suitable protection for the rider's noggin during a serious spill.