Kennkarte
Object numberM2012/048:002
TitleKennkarte
DescriptionKennkarte - a civil identity document issued in Germany in March 1939. From the 1st of January 1939, 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 persecution. The expense of the material and manufacturing process of these documents hindered the possiblity of forgery or alteration. 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.
This particular example belonged to Anneliese Sara Jacob. Both Anneliese and her future husband, Hirsz Roth, survived the Holocaust and later immigrated to Australia. This item was donated by their son, John Roth.
Deutsches Reich Kennkartes were constructed from durable linen material to ensure their longevity within a climate of heightened persecution. The expense of the material and manufacturing process of these documents hindered the possiblity of forgery or alteration. 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.
This particular example belonged to Anneliese Sara Jacob. Both Anneliese and her future husband, Hirsz Roth, survived the Holocaust and later immigrated to Australia. This item was donated by their son, John Roth.
Production placeBerlin, Germany
Production date 1939-03-14
Subjectidentity cards, discrimination, persecution, women
Object nameidentity cards
Materiallinen
Dimensions
- width: 1500.00 mm
height: 2100.00 mm
Language
- German German Empire Indentification Card
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Mr John Roth