Simplify the following text for a Grade 9 native English-speaking person.
Original: The German Cross was issued in two degrees : gold and silver ( the color of the laurel wreath around the swastika ) , the former being an award for bravery , the latter being for distinguished service and was considered a continuation of the War Merit Cross with swords .
Simplified: The German Cross was begun by Adolf Hitler on 16 November 1941 as an award that was a higher level than the Iron Cross First Class but below the Knight 's Cross of the Iron Cross . It was given in two classes : gold and silver ( the color of the laurel wreath around the swastika ) , the gold was given out for bravery , the silver was given out for excellence service .