Kennkarte
Object numberM1995/066
TitleKennkarte
CreatorNazi Germany
DescriptionThis is a Kennkarte - a civil identity document issued in Germany in February 1939. As of July 1938, every German citizen over the age of 15 was required to carry a Kennkarte at all times; another measure in a broader plan to bring an end to Jewish assimilation in German society.
Deutsches Reich Kennkartes were constructed from durable linen material to ensure their longevity within a climate of heightened and incessant persecution. The expense of the material and complex manufacturing process of these documents posed difficulties in the production of forgeries. Jewish citizenry were forced to adopt middle names of either ‘Sara’ or ‘Israel’ and a Hebraic ‘J’ was printed internally and externally, allowing for instant identification.
As the war progressed, citizens of German occupied territories were also issued with similar documents. Both material and design varied between countries. In Poland, the underground resistance discovered an administrative loophole in the provision of replacement documents for those lost or destroyed and were able to provide hundreds of Polish Jews with false identities. In the face of increasing persecution, ingenuity became a necessity of survival.
This particular example belonged to Hans Silbermann and was donated to the Sydney Jewish Museum in 1995. Hans left Germany for Thailand on a fake visa in July 1939; he arrived in Australia in October 1939.
Deutsches Reich Kennkartes were constructed from durable linen material to ensure their longevity within a climate of heightened and incessant persecution. The expense of the material and complex manufacturing process of these documents posed difficulties in the production of forgeries. Jewish citizenry were forced to adopt middle names of either ‘Sara’ or ‘Israel’ and a Hebraic ‘J’ was printed internally and externally, allowing for instant identification.
As the war progressed, citizens of German occupied territories were also issued with similar documents. Both material and design varied between countries. In Poland, the underground resistance discovered an administrative loophole in the provision of replacement documents for those lost or destroyed and were able to provide hundreds of Polish Jews with false identities. In the face of increasing persecution, ingenuity became a necessity of survival.
This particular example belonged to Hans Silbermann and was donated to the Sydney Jewish Museum in 1995. Hans left Germany for Thailand on a fake visa in July 1939; he arrived in Australia in October 1939.
Production placeBerlin, Germany
Production date 1939-02-20
Production periodpre-World War II
SubjectKennkarte, discrimination, persecution, nazi persecution
Object nameidentity cards
Materiallinen
Dimensions
- width: 210.00 mm
height: 150.00 mm
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Mr. Harry Silberman