"We pay homage to all the victims, regardless of their nationality, religion or beliefs," Defence Minister Peter Struck said during a ceremony at the Bundestag, or lower house of parliament.

Also honoured were the "innocent victims of shameless terrorist attacks all over the world," he added.

"Our thoughts today are with the victims of war and violence," said President Horst Kohler during wreath-laying ceremony at the Neue Wache, a Berlin monument to victims of the Nazi regime.