The formation of the Free German Youth (FDJ)

Demonstrationszug der FDJ 1949 mit Erich Honecker (Foto: BArch, Bild 183-Z0316-0327 / Foto: Gebhardt, CC-BY-SA 3.0)

 The formation of the Free German Youth (FDJ)
Mar 7 1946
FDJ demonstration march in 1949 with Erich Honecker (Photo: Barch, Image 183-Z0316-0327 / Photo: Gebhardt, CC-BY-SA 3.0)



DDR state youth organization is established in East Germany

The Free German Youth (FDJ) was established in the Soviet zone of occupation on 7 March 1946. Ostensibly an independent, non-partisan, anti-fascist youth organization, the FDJ developed into a semi-official organization dedicated to training generations of class-conscious socialists. Attracting members through the organization of leisure activities, the blue shirts and blouses worn as uniform from 1948 acted as a political statement.

Membership was voluntary, but non-members were often bullied by their school teachers and threatened with educational and career disadvantages. As a result, around 80% of young people had joined the FDJ by the mid-1980s. Membership plummeted after reunification and now only a handful of youths still turn up to the meetings.

Logo des Deutschlandmuseums

About the Deutschlandmuseum

An immersive and innovative experience museum about 2000 years of German history

The whole year at a glance

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Discover history

Visit the unique Deutschlandmuseum and experience immersive history

2000 Jahre
12 Epochen
1 Stunde