The Holocaust – What Did the Germans Know?

Bürger bei einer Versteigerung jüdischen Eigentums in der Gegend von Hanau, 1942 (Fotoausschnitt)

For a long time after the end of the Second World War, many Germans claimed that they had known nothing about the mass murder committed under National Socialism. They thereby sought to avoid accusations that they had been jointly responsible for the crimes. Today, many people still ask themselves what the Germans did actually know.

What information about the Holocaust was accessible in the German Reich? What did Germans notice if they were not directly involved in the crimes and not targeted by persecution? How did relevant facts and rumours spread at the time? What did individuals do with their knowledge? These questions are at the heart of the exhibition.

The exhibition consists of three parts. “Propaganda” illustrates what the Nazi regime released to the public about the persecution and murder of Jews. “Indications in Everyday Life” provides insight into unofficial reports on the mass murder. “Putting the Pieces Together” shows how individuals pieced together items of information to create a complete picture.

Runtime: Wed, 25/03/2026 to Sun, 31/01/2027

Takes place here:

• Topographie des Terrors - Dokumentationszentrum