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A Trip to the DDR - "The Journey of my Life"

Chapter 1: Born into Chaos

19 Sep 2017 by Michael Geithner
Meet Shimelis Haile Aga, 44 years old, born and raised in Ethiopia. The only other country he has ever seen, does'nt exist anymore. Today he tells the story about his trip to the DDR - the journey of his life - a story, that begins in Ethiopia's troubled late 1970s.
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A Trip to the DDR - "The Journey of my Life"

Introduction: Looking for old Friends

12 Sep 2017 by Michael Geithner
A trip to the DDR changed his life: This is the story of the ethiopian Shimelis Haile Aga, who visited the DDR in 1987 - the only other country he has ever seen since. In a series of ten articles, he will tell his story of war and confusion, and the short escape with Interflug to a wonderland named DDR.
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Looking for guidance experts!

We are looking for you!

10 Aug 2017 by Michael Geithner
As of now, we are looking for guidance experts, who can perform tours in Danish and/or French for the DDR Museum?
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Zero-Euro-Banknote in the DDR Museum.

7 Jul 2017 by Melanie Alperstaedt
It's adorned with a big zero, nonetheless everyone wants a copy. The Zero-Euro-Banknote has arrived in the DDR Museum. How did this come about? Text by Nina Krasemann. (03.07.2017) Translation by Rebecca Hall. (07.07.2017)
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The DDR Museum unpacked

#unboxingDDR - Pocket Calculator "konkret 200"

4 Jul 2017 by Praktikant
The DDR Museum presents the first unboxing series of historical objects. One minute clips show the diversity of original DDR artifacts. This time we unpack the pocket calculator "konkret 200", commentated by Head of Collection Jörn Kleinhardt.
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Review

Schaufuß: Ferienzeit mit Spiel, Sport und Abenteuer

20 Jun 2017 by Praktikant
Thomas Schaufuß presents the different forms and uses of holiday camps in Germany, while mainly focusing on pioneer and company-funded holiday camps in the DDR.
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Review

Wiebke Janssen: SED and youth in the 50s

16 Jun 2017 by Praktikant
The SED observed concernedly how the adolescents of the late 50s were drawn to Rock `n´Roll and studded pants. The aim of the socialist education was to mold youngsters into “new humans”. The party wanted to influence the first generation of the “Children of the Republic” through a restrictive and repressive policy. By Elke Sieber (08.06.2017) Translated by Lisa Laubner (09.06.2017)
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What remains

The Schwalbe

15 Jun 2017
Nowadays, the moped »Schwalbe« is iconic. This article explores its history and survival through German reunification in more detail.
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Event

What we wanted – what we are: Stephan Hilsberg speaks at the DDR Museum.

9 Jun 2017 by Praktikant
The DDR Museum welcomes Stephan Hilsberg and Dr. Christian Booß for a discussion on the turbulent final months of the DDR.
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Cook yourself

Tasty barbecue recipes for men

31 May 2017 by Admin
On occasion of Father’s Day, today we would like to present you some delicious grill recipes out of the DDR cookbook “Was Männer gerne kochen” (German for “What men like to cook”). But I am convinced that, during a barbecue for example, you will be able to impress the female guests, as well!
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What remains

And what should stay? Thoughts on remembering the DDR

24 May 2017 by Admin
Until the present day, remembering the DDR has many diverse facets and the relics from the past are powerfully present, as they are still keeping it alive. Some thoughts on commemorative culture.
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Karl Marx made of ceramics and Curry-flavoured peanuts: New products in the museum shop

18 May 2017 by Admin
Whether you are looking for a gift, a souvenir or a little something for yourself – the museum shop of the DDR Museum holds a wide variety of products related to the DDR. In the following text we would like to introduce to you some of the special highlights.
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Interview

"Die Normalität des Absurden" Interview with Dr. Heinz Schneider

18 May 2017 by Melanie Alperstaedt
A few weeks ago I had read the book „Die Normalität des Absurden“ from Heinz Schneider with great interest. I was pleasantly surprised to get the opportunity to interview him in person. Heinz Schneider and his wife Thea Schneider kindly offered to welcome me in their lovely flat in Mahlow! Here is the transcript of our conversation for you to read.
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Architecture

Berlin - the Socialist city

10 May 2017 by Praktikant
After the Second World War, more than 30% of the housing stock, 85% of classrooms and 80% of hospital rooms in Berlin were destroyed. What was to rise up from the ruins of the capital? The Socialist Unity Party (SED) saw a chance to include the rebirth of the city into the newly founded German Democratic Republic.
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History

Topic traffic: The Trabant

2 May 2017 by Admin
The Trabant was the unchallenged symbol of everyday life in the DDR, meaning “companion” – and this car truly played a significant role in the life of many citizens of the DDR, just like a good friend. As a dream at first; for the waiting time for a new car was no less than 16 years, later as a status symbol, a set of wheels and hobby.
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Review

"Die Normalität des Absurden" - Heinz Schneider

27 Apr 2017 by Melanie Alperstaedt
„Die Normalität des Absurden” tells the story of Heinz Schneider, who lived through two German dictatorships. Even though the book mainly focuses on his personal life, many universal themes are uncovered: how is one meant to behave in a dictatorship? How is our identity formed? How should the DDR be remembered?
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Collection

Valuable additions to the collection of the DDR Museum

26 Apr 2017 by Admin
The collection of a museum is never truly complete. In the following text we will introduce some objects which have been recently added to the collection of the DDR Museum.
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Bake on your own

Easter bread

19 Apr 2017 by Admin
Why do we necessarily need an easter basket made of plastic or another material to fill it with easter eggs and other treats?
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Travel

Altenburg

31 Mar 2017 by Admin
Altenburg is known worldwide as the city of playing cards and the game of skat. It is located in the county of Thuringia in the rural district Altenburger Land and is a former seat of royal power.
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Magazin

“Sibylle” – the Vogue of the DDR

25 Jan 2017 by Admin
For women in the DDR, the “Sibylle” was an inspiration as well as an illusion at the same time. Artistically sophisticated photos made by recognized photographers such as Roger Melis, Günter Rössler or Sibylle Bergmann used to adorn the pages. Models were wearing chic clothes which were not available on the market, provoking seemingly utopian desires in the readers. The “Sibylle” was delivering the fabric of dreams!
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