The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Documents · Civil papers
Kennkarte: History, Contents and Collector’s Guide
| Introduced | 1938 |
|---|---|
| For Jews | Compulsory under the decree of 23 July 1938; to be shown unasked to authorities from 1 January 1939 |
| Names | Jews had to add “Israel” or “Sara” from 1 January 1939 unless their name was on an official list |
| Contents | Photograph, fingerprints, personal data; a “J” on cards issued to Jews |
| In the collection | 3 pieces currently available (see below) |
The Kennkarte was the German identity card introduced in 1938. For most Germans it was an ordinary identity document; for Jews it became an instrument of identification and persecution. Cards issued to Jews are among the most significant and sensitive documents of the period.
What Is a Kennkarte?
The card carried the holder’s photograph, fingerprints and personal data. Under the third proclamation on compulsory identity cards of 23 July 1938, Jews had to apply for a card before the end of 1938 and, from 1 January 1939, show it unasked to any authority. A separate decree of 17 August 1938 forced Jews whose first names were not on an official list to add “Israel” or “Sara”. The Deutsches Auswandererhaus in Bremerhaven holds the card issued on 27 December 1938 to Moses Kirchheimer, marked with a “J”.
Who Issued It, and Who Signed It?
Cards were issued by local police authorities and signed by the issuing official and the holder. See Ahnenpass and Arbeitsbuch.
What Should Collectors Watch For?
- Cards issued to Jews are documents of persecution; their provenance and the fate of the holder deserve careful research.
- Fakes of “J” cards exist; demand strong provenance.
- Photographs and stamps must be original and consistent.
Collector’s Note
When a Kennkarte belonged to a Jewish holder, I think first about the person and about whether the document belongs in a memorial archive. That question comes before any sale.
Related Entries and Pieces
Pieces in the Collection
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Kennkarte introduced?
In 1938.
Why were Jews forced to carry it?
A 1938 decree made it compulsory for Jews and required them to show it to authorities from 1 January 1939.
What were the names “Israel” and “Sara”?
Forenames Jews were forced to add from 1 January 1939 under a decree of 17 August 1938.
Historical Responsibility Notice: this entry documents historical figures and artefacts of the National Socialist period for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology, and it is written in memory of the victims of the regime.
References & Further Reading
- German History in Documents and Images, German Historical Institute Washington, Front and back covers of a compulsory identification card for Jews, issued in Berlin, 1939.
- Deutsches Auswandererhaus Bremerhaven, Kennkarte 1938 (Moses Kirchheimer).