Background and Meaning: Understanding Kriegsenkel
The Kriegsenkels are the generation born between the 1950s and 1970s, children of those who experienced World War II first-hand. Although they did not experience the conflict, they experience its repercussions through their parents' unresolved trauma.
Intergenerational transmission of trauma
The Kriegsenkels grew up in an environment marked by silence and unspoken words, consequences of their parents' war experiences. These children feel, often unconsciously, the weight of past events, affecting their identity and their mental health. The intergenerational transmission of trauma is characteristic of our society.
Exploration and Identity Quest
Beginning in the 2000s, awareness grew among the Kriegsenkels. Many began exploring their parents’ pasts to understand how the trauma of war influenced their lives. This work of remembrance is essential for healing and reconciliation with family history.
Culture and literature: testimonies and works
The term Kriegsenkel is also present in literature and documentaries. Authors such as Sabine Bode and Nina Meyer have written about this phenomenon, sharing personal experiences and emphasizing the importance of collective memory.
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