Germany abandons plan to adopt new flag (6)

I believe the answer is:

ensign

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'flag' is the definition.
(ensign is a kind of flag)

'germany abandons plan to adopt new' is the wordplay.
'germany' becomes 'de' (eg .de in German websites).
'abandons' suggests deleting specific letters.
'plan' becomes 'design' (synonyms).
'to' means one lot of letters go next to another (I've seen this in other clues).
'adopt new' becomes 'en' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'design' with 'de' taken out is 'sign'.
'sign' put after 'en' is 'ENSIGN'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ensign that I've seen before include "Commissioned rank in some navies" , "Low-ranking naval officer" , "Flag indicating allegiance" , "Soldier who carries the Colours" , "Flying" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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