GDR repair society?

The myth of the longevity of Eastern products

Whether RG28 or Schwalbe – GDR products were considered robust and some of them are still in use today. At the same time, a sense of tinkering and fiddling was often required to keep them running. The lack of spare parts made this even more difficult. In a society where gaps in supply were part of everyday life, creativity and improvisation were key skills. In her lecture, technology historian Kathrin Tschida sheds light on the practice of repairing in the GDR. From the complex collection centre back then to the Repair Café today: can parallels be drawn? We discuss sustainability and ask whether the GDR invented DIY.

Lecture: Kathrin Tschida, Technology Historian, Berlin

Moderation: Dr. Liza Soutschek, Research Assistant DDR Museum

Admission is free of charge.

Photograph of a stirrer in yellow colour

22 October 2025, 6 pm

Conference room DDR Museum
Sankt Wolfgang-Str. 2
10178 Berlin

Here you can see the location.

The event will take place in German.