• Version 21 May 2026

Almost immediately after the end of the Second World War, it became clear that compensation (Wiedergutmachung) needed to be provided to those who had suffered damage as a result of National Socialist injustice. Those who had suffered oppression under the Nazi regime due to their political opposition to National Socialism or on the grounds of race, religion or ideology were particularly affected. The first legal provisions, drawn up in 1945 by the occupying powers and local authorities, were aimed at this group of people. They were largely welfare-oriented in nature and were based on the needs of the recipients.