German Propaganda Archive Calvin University
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Background: Anniversaries were big events in the GDR. These posters come from material prepared for the 30th anniversary of the GDR in 1979. The points they make are a good summary of the GDR’s general propaganda line: a youthful, peace-loving, hard-working state that was strongly supported by its citizens.

The source: The material was prepared by the East German Communist Party section that provided posters. The scans were supplied by Ingo Geisel.

30 Years of the GDR

All for the Good of the People
Caption: “Everything for Human Happiness.”
Workers
Caption: “The GDR: The socialist state of workers and farmers.”
Logo
Drawing of workers
DDR 1949
The sign being carried says “Long Live the German Democratic Republic.” The caption at the bottom says: “Confident in our strength October 1949.” That is the date of the GDR’s founding.
Heart made of ribbons
Logo
Schoolboy with chalk
Notes
The poster shows a page from an appointment calendar. The events listed are getting up, the parade, lunch, a visit to the park, the disco, and “Fireworks with M.” The GDR tended to make holidays as enjoyable as possible. People were not always enthused about marching past the leaders, but the rest of the day was usually worth it.
Dove made of ribbon
The dove emphasizes the GDR’s claim to be a peace-loving state.
Astronauts
Caption: “DDR 30. Success through cooperation.” We see a GDR astrononaut who had been part of a Soviet space mission.
Congratulations
Caption: “Our congratulations!”
German worker
Caption: “The GDR. My state.”
Smiling Germans
Caption: “A secure future.”
Telegram
A telegram from children. The caption says: “Congratulations to the GDR on its 30th birthday. We are proud of you.”
Timeline of Soldiers
Caption: “1848—1918—1948. We are fulfilling the legacy of the revolutionary German workers movement.”
Building blocks
Caption: “Tomorrow I’ll do the building...”
German with flag
Burger
Caption: “I am proud to be a citizen of the GDR.”
Last updated 17 September 2025

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