East German identity today: What remains of the GDR?

East German identity today: What remains of the GDR?

In a world that, despite the turning point and many changes, is often still marked by the shadows of the past, Tobias J. Knoblich, a native of Zwickau, has published a book. With his work “No longer GDR, but not yet the Federal Republic” he sheds light on the still existing East German identity and the influences that his origins and the experiences of his ancestors have left behind. Knoblich, who, among other things, worked as cultural director in Erfurt and now acts as a non-party state secretary in the Thuringian Ministry for Digital and Infrastructure, takes his readers on a journey through his childhood, personal experiences and the painful experiences of flight and expulsion, which leave a profound mark on his family history, like Junge World reports.

Around 22% of the GDR's population came from across the Oder-Neisse border, underscoring Knoblich's perspective on the inequalities and social changes resulting from the socialist system. In doing so, he criticizes the ideological cleansing of public space and defends himself against the devaluation of East German identity that took place in the course of unification. For him, the “turnaround” was not only a synonym for change, but also a time of disappointment about the inequality that was to be discovered after reunification.

Unity and challenges

Today, June 15, 2025, the State Treaty on the Monetary, Economic and Social Union, which is considered a decisive step towards the unity of Germany, officially comes into force. After more than 40 years of waiting, people in Germany can now experience freedom across borders. This milestone not only symbolizes solidarity between the Germans in the Federal Republic and the GDR, but also the beginning of a challenging journey towards unity, freedom, prosperity and social balance, as explained on unit-interkulturell.de.

The introduction of a common currency and a social market economy is enormous given the challenges that now await the people of the GDR. The state ensures that no one will be worse off than before. The development of the East German federal states into flourishing landscapes is described as a joint effort in which it is important to look optimistically into the future despite all differences and challenges.

East German identity in focus

But what does East German identity mean today? A recent study shows that acceptance of social inequality is high among East Germans, with almost 98% of those surveyed finding the income differences to be too great. While many East Germans have largely integrated into West German reality, there are still serious differences in perception between East and West Germans, such as [bpb.de].

In the debate about the understanding of identity, which is reflected not only in economic conditions but also in cultural differences, “complaining” is perceived by many as an expression of powerlessness. Research approaches distinguish between the socialization hypothesis and the situation hypothesis, both of which influence perceptions and democratic interaction in the new federal states.

Knoblich's views on these topics paint a picture of a complex identity that navigates between the fronts of nostalgia and the challenges of the present. His book could be a valuable stimulus for many to reflect on their own history and identity and to develop more understanding for the different realities of life.