The Pour le Mérite was established in 1740 by King Frederick II of Prussia and, like the French Legion d'honneur is a membership body rather than a one-off award.
The website of the order says Krēmers is "regarded worldwide as one of the most original and compelling artists of his generation".
His interpretations are called "traditional, but at the same time fresh, original and lively" by the order.
Kremer has recorded more than 120 albums, of which many received significant international awards for their remarkable profound interpretations.
Most recently Krēmers received the prestigious Praemium Imperiale award, given annually by the Japan Art Association. The award is generally considered to be Nobel Prize for musicians and his annual Kremerata Baltica music festival is a highlight of the Latvian musical calendar.
