East German Poster Database

Items

• 17. Juni: Tag der Deutschen Einheit…

  This poster's background consists of the three colors of the German flag. The title declares the 17th of June as the Day of German Unity. The middle portion shows a map of divided Germany, including parts that are part of Poland now. In the bottom, the text quotes the Preamble of the Grundgesetzes: "The entirety of the German people remain called to complete the unity and freedom of Germany in free self-determination."

• Wir bieten zur Zeit vom Verkauf an:…

  The poster is a black and white photo of the Brandenburg Gate viewed over the Wall, with sign in foreground reading "Attention, you are now entering West Berlin". A colored sign superimposed in front of the Wall lists individuals by profession and how much they can be bought for. Retirees, disabled persons, and those unable to work are free (worthless). The poster refers to the East German practice of selling political prisoners to West Germany.

• 13. August 1961: Berliner Mauerbau

  Text tells the story of Peter Fechter, an 18 year old bricklayer who was shot at the base of the Wall while trying to escape DDR border guards. He cried out for help but no one came until finally he died and was carried away. Bold red letters state "murder is murder, even when ordered". Three black and white photos of the incident accompany the text.

• In der „DDR” wird das Vorbild für die Zukunft aller Deutschen geschaffen…

  This poster features a large overhead photograph of soldiers in formation in black and white. Superimposed in red, the title reads "In the DDR, Germans will create a model for the future, and their lives will be forever shaped by it." The quote is by Leonid Iljitsch Breschnew, 1969.

• Held der Republik

  This poster has a portrait of Erich Honecker, the leader of the DDR until 1989. It refers to him as the "hero of the Republic." The poster is framed by barbed wire.

• Westlich unserer Grenzen gibt es eine ungeheure Welle der Kriminalität und…

  The poster is bisected by a film strip showing scenes of a city and drug addicts. The text is in red.