Archives of the GDR

The Archives of the GDR (German Democratic Republic) are the official repository of documents produced by East Germany’s government and security services from 1949 to 1990. They contain records related to political, social, and economic aspects of the GDR, including surveillance files on citizens and foreign intelligence. These archives are valuable for historical research, providing insight into East Germany’s political system, society, and the extent of state oversight. After reunification, access was granted to many documents, helping former citizens and researchers understand the country’s history and state operations.