Description
Deutsche Kinderschar
The Deutsche Kinderschar (DK) was a coeducational youth organization established by the National Socialist Frauenschaft (National Socialist Women’s League). The translation of Kinderchar is uncertain, but it is speculated to mean something akin to “Children’s Character.” These units, led by primary school teachers, constituted a smaller program compared to the Hitler Youth and stood as the sole youth initiative outside of the HJ.
The DK units gathered weekly for what was described as a ‘homey afternoon’ filled with recreational activities and games. An estimated 350,000 children participated in these groups by 1938, and remarkably, the program persisted during the war. In contrast to the Hitler Youth, there was no nationally mandated uniform for the DK; instead, each unit had a coordinated dress code. Girls typically wore dresses, while boys often adopted attire resembling the Deutsche Jungvolk, unlike the uniform depicted in the Nazi poster here.
The emblem of the DK was the Wolf’s Angel, a runic-inspired heraldic symbol also utilized by the Nazi NSV welfare organization. This emblem was sewn onto the dress bodice and shirt and can be observed on the banner (figure 1). Additionally, there was a distinctive boy’s belt buckle. Leaders adorned a party pin featuring a red swastika. Participation in the DK served as a precursor to the more structured Hitler Youth experience. As children reached the age of 10, girls transitioned to the Deutsche Jungmädel (BDM), while boys joined the Deutsche Jungvolk (DJ), marking the initiation into the Hitler Youth Cub formation.
