The hakenkreuz was the name of the symbol used by the Nazi Party in Germany, and later by the Third Reich. Adolf Hitler chose it as the symbol of the German Workers Party after he joined. Before Hitler, members had already worn swastika armbands. Hitler was responsible for its red, white and black coloring.
The hakenkreuz was usually shown at an angle and forward facing. The design creates a dynamic image inside a static box. It was sometimes shown squared, especially earlier.
The hakenkreuz is at an angle. This design was used as the symbol for National Socialism.
The Nazi party anthem the Horst-Wessel-Lied (English: Horst Wessel's Song) sings about millions of people looking to the hakenkreuz for hope, in English this is translated as "looking to the swastika"