Ernst belonged until the late 18th century to the Electorate of Trier, hence the Electoral-Trier cross on the dexter (armsbearer's right, viewer's left) side. Saint Quirinus bore nine balls (called "Kugeln" in the German blazon and translated “bezants” in the English blazon – the closest standard charge in English heraldry) in his arms, and was also the patron of the church in Niederernst. His attribute now appears on the sinister (armsbearer's left, viewer's right) side of Ernst's arms. The arms were designed by Decku in Sankt Wendel (Saarland).