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The Emperor’s New Clothes

Monday, March 17th, 2025

The Emperor’s New Clothes is a bedtime story I remember from childhood. It went something like this:

Many years ago, an Emperor, obsessed with new clothes, spent all his money on dressing well. He had a different outfit for every hour of the day and cared only about showing them off. One day, two con men came to town and told the king they were weavers who could weave clothes that possessed an unusual quality: they became invisible to those who were stupid or unfit for their position.

Thinking this is a good way of telling wise men from fools and of testing his officials’ competence, the Emperor paid the swindlers to make him a stunning outfit from this magical cloth to wear during an upcoming event.

The con men immediately set up their looms and pretended to weave. They took the Emperor’s money, pocketing the gold and silk, but leaving the looms empty. When the emperor sent two trusted ministers to report on the weavers’ progress, they could not see any fabric but feared to say so in case they were deemed unfit for their roles. Instead, they loudly praised the non-existent cloth. When the emperor checked on the project’s progression himself, he could not see the clothes either but declared them beautiful as well. Soon, the whole town talked of the emperor’s new, magnificent clothes.

On the day of the emperor’s grand procession through the town, the swindlers pretended to dress him in his new garments, though he was, in fact, naked. His officials, too afraid to admit the truth, complimented him on his invisible clothes. As the emperor paraded through the streets, the townspeople also complimented him as well until one child exclaimed, “But he hasn’t got anything on!”

Then one person repeated to the next what the child had said, and soon all the townspeople cried out, “The emperor is naked.”

The moral of “The Emperor’s New Clothes” is that we must not allow pride or fear to keep us from speaking the truth. It emphasizes the significance of seeing through deception and promoting integrity and truthfulness. When only one person speaks the truth, the illusion is broken. The story demonstrates how easily people get roped into pretense, but also, how easily they can be snapped out of it.

Basis of the Fairy Tale

Hans Christian Andersen wrote this fairy tale 200 years ago and based it on a medieval Spanish fairy tale dating back to the 14^th Century, El Conde Lucanor. Why did “The Emperor’s New Clothes” suddenly come to my mind? I think the current political climate must have reminded me of it.

For a sneak peek at the first 20+ pages of my memoir, Walled-In: A West Berlin Girl’s Journey to Freedom, click “Download a free excerpt” on my home page and feel free to follow my blog about anything German: Historical or current events, people, places or food.

Walled-In is my story of growing up in Berlin during the Cold War. Juxtaposing the events that engulfed Berlin during the Berlin Blockade, the Berlin Airlift, the Berlin Wall, and Kennedy’s Berlin visit with the struggle against my equally insurmountable parental walls, Walled-In is about freedom vs. conformity, conflict vs. harmony, domination vs. submission, loyalty vs. betrayal.

Tags: El Conde Lucanor, Hans Christian Andersen
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Germantown, Pennsylvania: Established More Than 300 Years Ago

Monday, January 20th, 2025

Germantown, Pennsylvania, has a rich history that stretches back over 300 years to the arrival of the first German immigrants in the United States. A friend recently showed me a postage stamp commemorating the 300th anniversary of this historic event. Issued in 1983, the stamp piqued my interest. As a German immigrant myself, I wondered: Where did these early Germans come from, and where did they settle?

The first German immigrants arrived in the United States in 1683. www.walled-in-berlin.com

History of Germantown

On July 6, 1683, the British-captained ship, Concord, set sail from Rotterdam, arriving in Philadelphia exactly three months later, on October 6. Aboard the vessel were 13 families – 35 people in total, bound for a new life. Most of the immigrants hailed from Krefeld and Kaldenkirchen, towns in North-Rhine Westphalia near the Dutch border and from the Rhineland-Palatinate region around Worms. This was the first documented group of German migrants to the U.S., and they were mostly Quakers and Mennonites seeking religious freedom and better opportunities.

Philadelphia in the 1600s

At the time of their arrival, Philadelphia was little more than a small settlement with just two streets. The immigrants decided to settle about six miles northwest of the city, clearing oak trees along the path that led back to Philadelphia. Each family had arranged to purchase 200 acres of land before leaving Europe. By the following year, they had built 12 simple log cabins on their land and named their new settlement Germantown. In 1854, this area was incorporated into the city of Philadelphia.

Germantown’s Population in 1600s and 1700s

The early settlers in Germantown were a diverse group. Along with Quakers and Mennonites, the population included Pietists, members of the Reformed Church, and Lutherans. Over the next 25 years, the town grew from just 35 inhabitants to 397. Three-quarters of its inhabitants were of German descent, while the remaining quarter were Dutch and British immigrants. Despite the German roots of most settlers, the town never became a “German enclave.” This was due in part to the fact that most of the early settlers spoke Dutch, as many had come from areas near the Dutch border. As a result, Germantown remained a multicultural community.

Although it was named Germantown, the town remained largely Dutch-speaking until 1709, when several Dutch families moved westward, and a wave of major German immigrations further swelled the population. This influx of German-speaking settlers helped shape the town’s identity and over time, it became more distinctly German.

Germantown’s Population in the 21^st Century

Today, Germantown is a vibrant part of Philadelphia, made up to of two neighborhoods: Germantown and East Germantown. Over the centuries, it has played an important role in American history. In 1688, it was the birthplace of the American abolitionist movement, with the first formal petition against slavery being signed there. In 1791, the first Bank of the United States opened in the neighborhood.

During the early 20^th century, approximately 140,000 African Americans moved from the South to Philadelphia and Germantown in the Great Migration. Many more followed during the 1940s and 1950s. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Germantown was 77% Black, 15% White, 3% Hispanic, and 2% Asian. East Germantown had a population that was 92% Black, 3% White, 2% Hispanic, and 2% Asian.

Germantown’s story is one of growth, diversity, and change, reflecting the broader patterns of American immigration and social development.

Tags: birthplace of the American abolitionist movement, Concord, first Bank of the United States, first German immigrants to the United States, Germantown, Monnonites, Quakers
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The Sandmaennchen Who Bridged a Nation

Monday, December 16th, 2024

For over 65 years, Sandmaennchen, a beloved little puppet, has been a symbol of bedtime magic for generations of German children. The tradition began in 1959 with the launch of two nearly identical shows—one in East Germany, the other in West Germany. Today, the puppet who continues to sprinkle his “dream sand” every night is an enduring part of German cultural history, and surprisingly, it’s the East German version that survived the reunification of the country.

The Birth of Two Sandmaennchens

The story of Sandmaennchen begins in 1959 when Dr. Ilse Obrig, a visionary television personality, sought to create a new bedtime show for German children. Having worked in radio since the 1920s and later in television, Obrig was a seasoned figure in German media. In 1950, she moved from East Berlin to West Berlin, taking her ideas with her. As West Germany prepared to launch Das Sandmaennchen on December 1, 1959, East Germany scrambled to create its own version, Unser Sandmaennchen, which premiered eight days earlier, on November 22, 1959.

The Sandmaennchen Puppet

Both versions of the Sandman were inspired by the Danish fairy tale character Ole Lukøje, a magical being who helps children fall asleep. The East German Sandmaennchen, often pictured in a soft red coat with a pointed hat and a goatee, was a figure of comfort and familiarity. His West German counterpart, though equally charming, appeared a little more contemporary in style. Both arrived in a variety of vehicles, such as a car, boat, airplane, or even a space capsule to the soothing sounds of a children’s choir singing “Sandmann, lieber Sandmann…” (Sandman, dear Sandman…), telling a brief bedtime story, sprinkling magical dream sand, and leaving with the comforting words, “Ich wuensch’ euch gute Nacht”) (I wish you good night.) https://www.youtube.com/user/sandmannshop

Das Sandmaennchen, the West German Sandman. walled-in-berlin.com

East vs. West: A Bedtime Rivalry

The two shows were almost identical in format, but the politics of the time created a clear divide. Both versions of Sandmaennchen aired nightly at 6:50 p.m. The shows quickly became an essential part of every child’s evening routine. But after German reunification in 1990, one Sandman continued to stand stood out: The East German version. Children on both sides of the former divide seemed to gravitate toward the more approachable, gentle Sandman of the East. This was a surprising turn of events, given the different political environments of the two countries.

By 1991, the West German version of Sandmaennchen was discontinued, and Unser Sandmaennchen continued to enchant children all across the newly reunified Germany. The East German puppet, beloved for his warmth and familiarity, won out over his West German counterpart.

Unser Sandmaennchen, the East German, Photo: pressefoto@rbb-online.de, walled-in-berlin.com

A 65-Year Legacy

Today, Unser Sandmaennchen is still going strong, continuing to sprinkle his magical sand into the hearts of children every night. In fact, he just celebrated his 65th birthday, proving that even in a world where television has changed dramatically, there’s still room for the timeless magic of a friendly puppet who brings comfort and a sense of ritual. For many German families, Sandmaennchen remains a cherished tradition—a gentle reminder of childhood, no matter which side of the Wall you grew up on.

Tags: children's stories, Das Sandmaenchen, East/West rivalry, German reunification, Ilse Obrig, sandman, Unser Sandmaenchen
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Friendship Train – A Nation United in Generosity

Monday, November 11th, 2024

Few Americans today know about the Friendship Train, a largely forgotten chapter in American history that once symbolized the power of generosity and unity. In a time when our nation seems so divided, it’s worth remembering that there was a moment in the past when Americans came together to help people across the world – no politics, no partisan divide, just a shared sense of compassion and goodwill.

Friendship Train – A Humanitarian Endeavor in Post-War Europe

In 1947, two years after the end of World War II, Europe was in ruins. The devastation left by the war was not just physical. It left millions starving, struggling to survive. Despite the end of hostilities, many European nations, especially France and Italy, were still reeling from food shortages and widespread hunger.

That fall, Drew Pearson, an American syndicated columnist, had just returned from Europe, where he had witnessed firsthand the desperate conditions people were facing. He saw how the Communists were gaining favor in parts of Europe simply by handing out small amounts of food, which gave him an idea. Pearson believed the United States could offer a better alternative, one rooted in generosity and goodwill rather than political gain. He proposed a “Friendship Train,” a nationwide campaign to send food to the starving people of Europe.

The Power of Collective Generosity

On October 11, 1947, Pearson announced his idea in a radio broadcast and a newspaper column, calling Americans to donate from their homes, kitchens, gardens, and farms. The response was overwhelming. In just five weeks, Americans from all walks of life came together to contribute. The Friendship Train became more than just a relief effort. It became a symbol of what Americans could achieve when they united for a common cause.

The Journey of the Friendship Train Begins

On November 7, 1947, the Friendship Train set off from Los Angeles with a grand sendoff by Hollywood producers and celebrities. Over the next eleven days, the train traveled across eleven states, making stops in cities from coast to coast. People lined up to donate: farmers sent food from their fields, housewives sent crates with staples, and communities far beyond the trains’ route organized their own donations.

By the time the Friendship Train reached New York City, it was no longer just a local initiative. It had become a national movement. More than 270 boxcars filled with food, clothing, and fuel were collected. This generosity amounted to $40 million worth of supplies, all donated and transported free of charge and without any government involvement. It was a rare moment in history when the American people, driven by compassion, put aside their differences to work together toward a single noble goal.

The Friendship Train was a nationwide campaign, initiated by Drew Pearson, to send food to the starving people of post-wwII Europe. https://www.walled-in-berlin.com

A Gesture of Goodwill with Lasting Impact

What Pearson had hoped would be a modest gesture of goodwill ended up as one of the most successful humanitarian missions in history. Each packet of food carried a personal message of friendship from its American donor. As the train made its way through France and Italy, local ceremonies were held at each stop, with French and Italian citizens expressing their heartfelt gratitude.

The Friendship Train wasn’t just about sending food; it was about sending a message. It was about showing that America cared, that we were willing to help, and that we could unite to do something good for the world. It was a moment when Americans from every corner of the country came together to show the world the power of generosity, compassion, unity, and democracy.

Tags: Drew Pearson, Friendship Train, one of the most successful humanitarian missions in history
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Hackenporsche – The Environmentally-Friendly Vehicle

Monday, September 23rd, 2024

The Hackenporsche is a beloved shopping paraphernalia in Germany, recognized as a practical and eco-friendly alternative for carrying groceries and other purchases. This term humorously describes the two-wheeled shopping bags commonly seen across German cities. The bags, equipped with an extendable handle, transform a strenuous task into a manageable one, especially for those without a car. The design typically features a large bag mounted on a foldable frame, making it easy to store and capable of handling various weather conditions and even stairs.

Origin of the Term Hackenporsche

The term “Hackenporsche” originated in the Berlin dialect during the 1970s or 1980s, although the exact date is not well-documented. It is a playful reference that has spread throughout Germany, often alongside the term “Rentnerporsche” (retiree Porsche).

Meaning Behind the Hackenporsche

“Hackenporsche” is a compound word consisting of “Hacken,” meaning “heels,” and “Porsche,” the name of the luxury sports car brand founded by Ferdinand Porsche in 1948. The term jokingly contrasts the image of a sleek, high-performance car with the modest and practical nature of a shopping bag, usually pulled by older individuals, who often move at reduced speed. This paradox underscores the point that the Hackenporsche lacks speed, class, and luxury, but is a reliable companion for everyday tasks.

Hackenporsche – Germany’s eco-friendly alternative for carrying groceries home. www.walled-in.berlin.com

Changing Perceptions

In recent years, the perception of the Hackenporsche has undergone a significant shift. Once seen as a symbol of elderly practicality, the rolling shopping bag is now embraced by a broader demographic. Young, environmentally-conscious Germans are adopting the Hackenporsche as a statement of sustainability. By choosing this eco-friendly alternative, they reduce their carbon footprint and promote a lifestyle that values practicality and environmental responsibility. The Hackenporsche has evolved from a symbol of necessity to a trendy, green choice that reflects a broader commitment to sustainability.

Conclusion

The Hackenporsche represents more than a convenient way to carry groceries; it embodies a cultural shift towards environmental awareness and practical living. What began as a term for an older generation’s shopping aid is now a modern, eco-conscious trend embraced by people of all ages. As its popularity continues to rise, the Hackenporsche is a testament to the evolving nature of practical fashion and sustainability.

Tags: Berlin dialect, environmental responsibility, Ferdinand Porsche, Hackenporsche, Rentnerporsche, sustainability
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Pan-European Picnic 35 Years Ago

Monday, August 19th, 2024

The Pan-European Picnic occurred on August 19, 1989, at the border crossing between Austria and Hungary, near Sopron in Hungary and St. Margarethen in Austria. This event became a crucial prelude to the revolutions of 1989, sparking a chain reaction that eventually led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the lifting of the Iron Curtain. During the picnic, over 600 East German citizens broke through the border gate and fled to the West.

The Purpose of the Picnic

The picnic was proposed by Ferenc Mészáros of the Hungarian Democratic Forum (MDF) and Otto von Habsburg, former Crown Prince of Austria-Hungary and then the President of the International Pan-European Union. It was advertised as a celebration of the bonds between Austria and Hungary. Unofficially, however, the organizers hoped to gauge Soviet reaction to an opening in the Iron Curtain.

What was Supposed to Happen

The organizers of the Pan-European Picnic had received government permission to open the border gate for three hours. During this time, an open-air bacon roasting party was planned in a meadow along the Austro-Hungarian border. By noon, approximately 8,000 to 10,000 people had gathered, creating a joyful, friendly, and somewhat chaotic atmosphere. The official program, including speeches by dignitaries from both countries and Germany, was scheduled to begin later in the afternoon.

What Actually Happened at the Pan-European Picnic

To this day, it remains unclear who spread the news and how it was spread. It appears that many people were involved behind the scenes. However, minutes before the official program was set to start, 40–50 East Germans, who had been hiding in a nearby forest, rushed up the hill, broke through the dilapidated wooden border gate, and fled into Austria. The armed border guards had no prior warning or instructions on how to handle the situation, especially since the defectors lacked valid passports. In the ensuing chaos, the guards refrained from taking actions that might have prevented the East Germans from crossing the border. Following the initial wave, two more groups of East Germans crossed into the West that afternoon, totaling more than 600 people.

The exodus was captured on film by the news media, who had been invited to cover the official picnic program. August 19, 1989, marked the beginning of the mass flight of East Germans via Hungary, a Warsaw Pact country, to Austria, a NATO member, and on to Czechoslovakia, ultimately reaching West Germany unhindered.

The Pan-European picnic of 19 August 1989 made it possible for more than 600 East German citizens to flee into the West. https://www.walled-in-berlin.com

Tags: Austria, Ferenc Meszaros, Hungary, Otto von Habsburg, Pan-European Picnic, Sopron, St. Margarethen
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Why “Fraeulein” is Rarely Used as an Address

Monday, July 15th, 2024

Fraeulein as a form of address is generally considered offensive in contemporary German culture. Although historically used to denote unmarried women, the term reflects outdated gender norms. Today, adult women are universally addressed as Frau.

Historical Evolution of Frau and Fraeulein

The use of both terms has changed significantly over the centuries. Frau originates from the Althochdeutsch (the Old High German) word frô, which meant Herr (Mister, Sir, Lord). The origin of the word is masculine because a woman was linguistically considered an extension of a man. Over time, the term evolved to mean My Lady or Madam. Eventually, it became the standard term for addressing a noblewoman. By 1800, Frau became the conventional address for a married woman.

On the other hand, Fraeulein, akin to the English word miss, initially conveyed respect for junior female members of noble families. By the late 19th century, however, it began to be used for unmarried women of all social classes, regardless of age. By the 1960s, the term was widely seen as condescending, sexist, and disrespectful. In 1972, West German authorities officially phased out the use of Fraeulein in all formal contexts.

Why Fraeulein is Considered Offensive

Fraeulein is the diminutive form of Frau and translates to “little Frau,” akin to all German words ending in -chenor -lein, such as Maedchen (girl) or Maennlein (little man). The diminutive suggests that a woman only becomes a Frau upon marriage, emphasizing marital status over personal or professional accomplishments. In contrast, there is no equivalent diminutive for men, as young men are universally addressed as Herr (Mister), regardless of marital status.

“Fraeulein” as a form of address is considered offensive in contemporary Germany cultury. https://www.walled-in-berlin.com, Image courtesy of Mohamed Hassan at Pixabay.

Proper Addressing Practices in Modern Germany

Today, proper etiquette dictates using Frau followed by the lady’s last name (e.g. Frau Miller) for all adult women over 18. For teenage girls, aged 16 to 18, it is appropriate to use their first name and Sie (formal “you”). Younger girls under 15 can be addressed by their first name and du (familiar “you”).

Tags: Althochdeutsch, Fraeulein, Frau, fro, Old High German
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In Appreciation of Angela Merkel

Monday, March 18th, 2024

Angela Merkel, the former German Chancellor, has been criticized for some of her decisions during her sixteen-year tenure (2005 to 2021). These include taking in more than a million asylum-seekers during the Syrian conflict, setting Germany on a path to a future without nuclear and fossil-fueled power, neglecting infrastructure renewal, and making Germany too dependent on Russian oil and gas. However, I don’t wish to discuss the merits of her political decisions. Instead, I would like to highlight that Angela Merkel was a rare politician who did not have an oversized ego.

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, https://walled-in-berlin.com. Image by dianakuehn30010 from Pixabay

Merkel’s Strengths

During her 16 years in office, Merkel never suffered from an inflated sense of self-importance or let her ego get in the way of her judgment. She will be known for her humility, down-to-earth personality, and fact-based decision-making. Despite being a global diplomatic heavyweight, she remained unassuming and approachable. Merkel held meetings and received guests at the German Chancellery (The German equivalent of the White House). At the same time, she continued to live with her husband, Joachim Sauer, in the same apartment building they had lived in before she became chancellor. During the Covid-19 pandemic, when toilet paper became a sought-after commodity, she discouraged hoarding and refrained from doing so herself.

Brief History of Angela Merkel

Angela Merkel was raised in Soviet-controlled East Germany, studied chemistry, and started her career as a research chemist. One month after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, she joined the newly founded Democratic Awakening and became the party’s press spokesperson shortly thereafter. In early 1990, the party joined the Alliance for Germany, a coalition with the German Social Union and the Christian Democratic Union. Within 15 years, Merkel had become the Chancellor of Germany and, before long, the unofficial leader of the West.

Amidst a world in which many politicians prioritize power, influence, and notoriety, Merkel’s lack of egotism stands out as a rare quality. It is a trait that is considered old-fashioned by some and fondly remembered and appreciated by many as part of her legacy.

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German Women’s Rights Through History

Monday, February 19th, 2024

In 1919, during the Weimar Republic, German women achieved equality in education for both sexes, equal pay in the professions, equal opportunity in civil service appointments, and the right to vote.

German Women’s Rights During the Weimar Republic

In terms of women’s rights, Germany was one of the most advanced countries in Europe and the United States at the time. By 1932, thirty-six women served in the German Reichstag (Parliament). According to Richard Grunberger (A Social History of the Third Reich), Germany had 100,000 women teachers, 13,000 women musicians, and 3,000 women doctors.

German Women’s Rights Reversed

When Adolf Hitler came to power in 1933, he reversed the gains German women had made during the Weimar years. He passed legislation that barred them from government and university positions. Girls were banned from learning Latin, a requirement for university entrance. Women were expected to forego careers, be subservient to men, and devote themselves to home and motherhood.

German mother with two girls and a boy in Hitler-Youth Uniform, 1943. www.walled-in-berlin.com

Hitler’s Unemployment Conundrum

In 1932, thirty-three percent of the workforce was without jobs. It was often easier for women to find employment than for men because female labor was cheaper. Hitler decided to reduce unemployment among men by removing women from the labor force. He did so by making interest-free loans of up to 1,000 Reichsmark available to would-be couples if the prospective wife agreed to give up her job. Hitler’s manipulation worked. Within four years, 800,000 women married and opted out of employment.

Hitler’s Ideal Woman – No Rights and No Brains

According to Ian Kershaw (Hitler 1889-1936), Hitler described his ideal woman as “a cute, cuddly, naive little thing – tender, sweet, and stupid.” He detested women with their own opinions, women who smoked, and women who wore make-up. Nazi ideology stated that a woman had a different mission than a man. Her world was her husband, her family, her children, and her home.

Women’s Rights Changed Again

In 1937, Hitler changed his tune about women in the workforce. When war efforts were ratcheted up, married women were needed in the factories so that the men could go to war. Hitler quickly rescinded the interest-free loans to young one-income couples, and within a few months, women made up a third of the employed workforce again. At one point, Martin Bormann, Adolf Hitler’s private secretary, proposed the army form women’s battalions, a plan quite the opposite of tying women to the home. Then, after Germany’s defeat at Stalingrad in 1943, the Nazi government called for total mobilization of female labor. Forgotten was the Nazi notion that the most suitable place for women is at home. Today, German women enjoy equality in education, pay, and opportunities again.

Moral of the Story

Throughout world history, not just German history, governments have manipulated the populace for political reasons. Propaganda glorifies their objectives. But ideology quickly changes when the objectives change.

Tags: Adolf Hitler, German Women's Rights, Ian Kershaw, Martin Bormann, Richard Grunberg
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Lufthansa, National Airline of Germany

Monday, January 22nd, 2024

Deutsche Lufthansa AG, commonly known as Lufthansa, is the national airline of Germany. Along with its subsidiaries, Austrian Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings, it is the second-largest airline in Europe after the ultra-low-cost carrier, Ryanair. Lufthansa’s primary hub is located at Frankfurt Airport, and its secondary hub is at Munich Airport.

In 1964 and 1965, I worked for Lufthansa in the air freight department at Berlin’s Tempelhof Airport. Because of Berlin’s special status throughout the Cold War, Lufthansa was not allowed to fly to the airports of either part of the city.

The special status of Berlin

After Germany’s military defeat, France, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, and the United States shared supreme authority in all administrative affairs concerning Germany, as stated in the Berlin Declaration of 1945. Until German reunification in 1990, the four allied powers decreed that only British Airways, Air France, and PanAm (carriers of the three Western Allies), were allowed to land in West Berlin while Interflug (the East German airline) was permitted to land only in East Berlin.

Why Did Lufthansa maintain offices in Berlin?

During the years when Lufthansa was not allowed to fly to Berlin, it nonetheless transported passengers and cargo within West Germany and internationally. To fulfill freight shipment orders from Berlin to their final destinations, our Berlin office booked transport from West Berlin to West Germany with any of the three Western carriers. After reaching West Germany, passengers and cargo were shifted to Lufthansa flights. The process was similar to the airline alliances we see today.

Brief History of Lufthansa

Lufthansa is a well-known airline with a long and interesting history. Its predecessor, Deutsche Luft Hansa, was established in 1926. However, the company was dissolved after World War II due to its association with Hitler’s Nazi government. In 1953, former employees of Deutsche Luft Hansa founded Luftag (Aktiengesellschaft für Luftverkehrsbedarf). It was later renamed Deutsche Lufthansa Aktiengesellschaft. The latter is now known as Lufthansa, the flag carrier of Germany.

Branding

The Lufthansa logo, which features a stylized crane in flight inside a circle, was originally designed by Otto Firle in 1918. In 1926, it was adopted by Deutsche Luft Hansa. When the current company, Deutsche Lufthansa AG, was established, it continued to use the logo – a yellow crane on a blue background.

Tags: Berlin Declaration, Berlin Tempelhof Airport, Deutsche Luft Hansa, Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Luftag, Lufthansa, Otto Firle
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