German reunification: How two countries (sort of) became one | UNPACKED

30 years ago, Germany's reunification meant dealing with the fundamental rivalry of the 20th century: capitalism versus communism. The triumphant advance of capitalism was the defining element of the transformation and integration of the new federal states. But did the connection to the Federal Republic really bring the promised 'blooming landscapes'? Or did some things even changed for the worse? Thirty years after reunification, there is still a lot to do.
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#UNPACKED #Germany #Reunification

[@user-xb5xh4eq1t]

I envy the one Germany as a Korean.

[@atillar3321]

i feel you bro

[@taiwancanhelp6582]

If korea unified. there will be no excuse for american to station troops in japan and south korea

[@atillar3321]

@@taiwancanhelp6582 yes they still can, they hold the Chinese influence

[@andreasantoniou3481]

and I envy the one Germany as a Cypriot...

[@gamermapper]

@@andreasantoniou3481 Cyprus is different, Cyprus is more like Israel and Palestine because there its because of ethnic groups and not ideological ones.

[@Anna-he1ox]

Eastern German here. I 100% feel that the unification was the right thing but some things were dealt with wrong. My hometown for example had a really big manufacture but after the unification someone bought it, brought all the machines to the West and closed the manufacture. This happened all over Eastern Germany (as my parents and grand-parents told me. I wasn't alive back then). And we have definitely bias against each other, even now. One of my uncles married a West German and during their wedding (which was also a catholic wedding (me and my family are atheists)) his part of the family felt like we didn't fit in there. Most Eastern German weddings I've been to are pretty small. You also divide family and friends. But this wedding was just so big. We were over 100 people and they rented a big hall and there were so many servers and so much food. It didn't feel as friendly as the weddings I was used to (normally we have a formal part and after that there is a buffet and a dance floor and everyone can talk to everyone). To round things up I wanted to say that it is true that many Eastern Germans feel more like Eastern Germans than just Germans, me included. We feel inferior to the people in the West and in many cases it is passed down to the next generation.

[@lauragg9121]

Thanks for sharing Ana, it's interesting what you point out...as someone who lives in the other part of the world, it continue to amaze me the stories within the giant events that occur; just like yours. I'm gonna give myslef the chance (hope you answer) of asking, as an eastern german, what do you think is considered success apart from the western germans?

[@Anna-he1ox]

@@lauragg9121thanks for asking. I'm happy that someone seems so interested in this story since it is part of every Germans life and everyone has his or her own story to tell about this. I also have many more things to tell about what the unification did as a whole but also to my family. But since this would take too much time, I want to focus on your question first. But there is a small problem: sorry to ask but I think I didn't quite get what you want to know since English isn't my first language. Do you want to know what I think are positive aspects of the unification for eastern Germans?

[@qing-xiyan183]

Neoliberal-style reforms were prevalent at that time.Your experience about weddings is sort of a double whammy in terms of values and economic differences. Basically, many countries with non-capitalist economic systems, such as the countries of Eastern Europe and China, were in a similar situation at the beginning of the transition.Although the inflation no as horrible as in Eastern Europe, it was unimaginable to the new generation that the purchase of 500 grams of meat products would cost 5-10% of the average monthly salary in 90s.If it were not being for WTO accession and the development of the private sector economy after 2000, the problems caused by the large unemployed population would have been much more difficult to solve. And if the economic reforms at that time had taken more account of the realities of non-capitalist-style economies, perhaps they would have caused less problems. Now we hope to each other that the government's current policies will alleviate the social conflicts caused by the neo-liberal reforms. P.S At least the east retains some of its DDR-era social welfare, and China sort of smashed it and rebuilt it again. You are relatively more fortunate in the aftermath of reforms, but China is different.The reforms regarding social services and social welfare that have obvious problems are also pains that China is still going through.

[@lauragg9121]

@@Anna-he1ox yeiii!!!!! Thank you so much for answering me dear!! How's it goin? Yeah, I mean, in your perspective, what would you (an eastern german) can consider a "succesful" life, and if there's a difference between the conecpt of a western german. Thank you soooo much for answering me! Sending the best!!

[@gamermapper]

Did you like something in the GDR? How authoritarian it was? What about the quality of life?

[@john-sebastianbarrera1884]

Some Germans don´t know how well they have it

[@EdgelordOfEdginess]

Nah we just pursue perfection that is why we always critique something

[@Spackfighter]

Nagging is part of german culture. But it must not be taken that serious

[@EdgelordOfEdginess]

Spackfighter when we don’t do it serious we will just become mediocre, so we will rather be nagging Karens than to be just another chapter in history. Only with a pursue can humanity go forward

[@mrbrainbob5320]

@Gerd Wiesler perfectionists mind sets are one of the main causes of depression.

[@truechaosmulala3831]

@@mrbrainbob5320 that’s why we need the sports

[@AShahwani]

Germany has shown the world how impossible can be turned into possible and how miracles can actually happen, with vision, courage, effort and persistance.

[@hannahanderson4305]

Sadly with Gorbachev it was a different, he was no Stalin and relations with the west was good and he embraced more democratic ideals. Now they have a selfish dictator who detests the west and especially the USA, relations are at an all time low since he has an eye on taking back the former Soviet nations. War now in Ukraine marks the end of peace and renewal of a cold war again.

[@davesravens47]

Germany and it’s people are truly fascinating. From defeating the Roman’s to nearly conquering the world twice despite all odds against them and even after all was lost have managed to resurrect and become a very powerful nation again. Not to mention many of the smartest and most influential people throughout the centuries im just in awe of all of it. Now my hope is that they manage to never have to resurrect again and achieve it’s true potential. The world needs it.

[@rushiljain9423]

@@davesravens47 Well said. I think not enough credit is given to the amount of geniuses Germany has produced in history. Looking aside from its tainted history, its a truly remarkable nation of some intelligently gifted poeple

[@dvsxavier]

One of the happiest days of my life when the Berlin Wall came down

[@yasuhohirose6574]

why? what changed after that?

[@antonk3533]

@@yasuhohirose6574 everything

[@gutsjoestar7450]

@@antonk3533 not everything ; it's useless

[@ArturHedlund]

@@gutsjoestar7450 yes everything chanced

[@wackedpotato7211]

@@gutsjoestar7450 Yup, everything changed all families were unified Germany became much stronger...

[@jamesr1703]

Happy Tag der Deutschen Einheit from the U.S.A.

[@nevergonnagiveyouup.9162]

Thats dude. Hope the us gets back together too! (Political seen)

[@emiliajojo5703]

Thank you so much❤🇩🇪🇺🇸

[@hopeforbetter382]

Germany, unfortunately without wanting it to be, is now the leader of freedom, prosperity and democracy! A happy reunion anniversary!

[@imperator791]

Bro Germany is weak Very Weak A once strong country is a shadow of its former self NATO is there to keep the Russians out and the Germans in Too much German war guilt

[@Dom-ny7vh]

No

[@appleslover]

@@imperator791 keep watching Fox news

[@Dom-ny7vh]

@Soviet Union all the stuff you mentioned is just cooperation between the west it's called having friends but being a Soviet you don't have any ?

[@Jylakir]

So if we're a slave to the US, why do we build a pipeline to russia? Why didn't we join the US into the third Irak war? Why didn't we budge to the US demands to open our markets for US products? Maybe we're just a state who knows that they need some strong allies until we could help to shape the EU to a superpower like China and the US? We're still not there but with an even stronger China it could happen that the EU will creater stronger bonds internaly to be more secure from outside influence.

[@andreborges73]

I would rather see germans speaking than Americans speaking on their behalf...

[@MuhmmedNadeem-cy2tj]

They are Germans. What you on about?

[@azamatkhatunar4809]

this is german... DW is a german state-owned broadcaster

[@andreborges73]

@@azamatkhatunar4809 If you saw the video, some people were Americans.

[@ninodino444]

@@azamatkhatunar4809 as a german i have to say that you did not watch the video. Because if you had you would the that the op has a point that most of those people were not german. I have no problem with that but the op has with his opinion a point

[@JuneJarka]

It will probably take about another 2 generations before Germans will feel truly united. There will always be differences though. That’s normal human behaviour.

[@Maxtherealone]

And the people, responsible for building the wall, knew that beforehand! Think about that. Another attemt to divide a united germany, like many other attempts before. Some of them led to world wars.

[@N9mber]

What holds Modern Germany together? Before, it was the Prussian Nobility. Now it’s erasing of the idea of being German. It should be divided yet again.

[@dayviduh]

@@N9mber nation states are dead. The future is the neoliberal order

[@N9mber]

@@dayviduh nation-states are far from dead. The amount of independence movements around the world proves more states will be formed not less (through globalization.)

[@hanszimmer9224]

Well I would prefer if we in the south (BW & BY) leave the federation

[@Fernando_Sanchez]

Germany is an astonishing country, worthy to be followed up. 🇩🇪🇩🇪🇩🇪👏🏻

[@SillyUwUBilly]

Ummm . No.

[@godwrote01]

Its not. Greeting from germany

[@Fernando_Sanchez]

@@godwrote01 why do u say that?

[@godwrote01]

@Fabian Kirchgessner sagt der Wessi

[@godwrote01]

@@Fernando_Sanchez because i live in germany and the people are about to get on each others throat since 5 years

[@martini380]

Calling the DDR GDR is like calling the USA VSA

[@marcellkiss-redey8451]

GDR is what East Germany is known as in English-speaking countries. I have never heard Germans use VSA on the other hand...

[@nevergonnagiveyouup.9162]

@@marcellkiss-redey8451 yeah because DDR is german "Deutsche Demokratische Republik"

[@qwertyls8552]

DDR4

[@PuddingXXL]

@@marcellkiss-redey8451 that is his point. English speaking countries referr in their language to another country while other countries have to use the english variant of english countries instead of their own description of that country. Otherwise nobody woud understand what we're talking about. Kind of like how france calls germany allemagne and english speakers say germany while it is called Deutschland.

[@deleteduser8949]

@@marcellkiss-redey8451 VS (Vereinigte Staaten) is used in German

[@aman-rq3sq]

No matter what Germans are gold standard for productivity

[@Aetherguy-cb9bu]

Ever heard of something called a kik?

[@mwanikimwaniki6801]

@TheSatanicTicTac Biggest failure

[@henryc5534]

You've never been to Germany have you...

[@martin912]

@TheSatanicTicTac Berlin Airport has nothing to do with productivity though.

[@tewodorthird7398]

Short but well organized and documented documentary ,it's really the whole story unpacked shortly and enormously educational ,danke!

[@hdevivs09]

Well-made documentary! the stats included really helps in understating at better level

[@grzejnikMilosz]

Yeah they fixed the bug

[@renegadeMoscow]

Germany did well after the ww2: a lot of people today considering success if they can afford to buy Porsche, Mercedes, or electronics. I wish Russians had the same level of success today 🤔

[@tilak231]

renegadeMoscow if Russians have allowed Democracy and not DICTATORSHIP, then it was possible!!!

[@swanpride]

...Porsche and Mercedes are Germany companies. It would be sad if no German could afford them. Granted, Porsche is a luxury brand, but Mercedes has models for every day use.

[@georgobergfell]

Yet germany still has a rather thriving defence sector, just to name a few examples: KMW, Rheinmetall, Heckler&Koch, MAN, MTU, Diehl, Airbus,... feel free to extend the list!

[@ehanoldaccount5893]

If the Russia was ran by Germans they probably woulda had a similar success

[@mustafaakkoclar1272]

u must be happy that u live in russia . im live in turkey, im 23 years old and ı havent seen mediterrenean sea yet. %35 turkish people works with minimum wage (300dollar) un employement rate is %25 . chepest new brand car is clio 1.0 engine , and its cost 15.000 dollar. if you teacher here u have to work 2 mouths for ı phone x 124 gb. russia has better sitiation. we even cant go to beach in turkey, because hotels takes money from us even its forbbidden, because half of that money goes to state,uber is forbbidden here, because corrupt leaders hve taxi companies, etc...

[@poseidonericsson756]

I really like DW, they are not afraid of bringing out tough topics honestly, domestically or aboard. Like this one about east germany which they really don't have to, they could as well just pretend everything is fine like everyone else.

[@nathanboyea9964]

Do you really think Germany is the only country that’s honest about issues in their country?

[@poseidonericsson756]

It is about honesty, integrity and trying not to be bias towards ones own country. As DW is a government supported news agency i was surprised to see those qualities. Another good episode they made was about free trade.

[@qing-xiyan183]

In my opinion, one of the most effective ways to distinguish between people from east and west is to be familiar with the songs of bands from east, such as Keimzeit's Kling Klang. It is especially for the reunited generation born in Germany in 90s. Even though Germany was once again unified, the visible traces each left on different lands still shaped their respective lives.After all, there are many differences in the way of life between people who generally live in high-rise apartment buildings and those who generally live in low-rise detached houses. In the historical narrative that followed, I have preferred to add more complex dimensions of the East about daily life in the DDR.After all, memory cannot be erased, DDR actually existed and the Germans had experienced two different forms of life, rather than just leaning towards the West German narrative like the constitution which allowed the East to join the West with a slightly altered constitutional text. I certainly agree with the fact that German reunification helped the East to become more free.I just simply feel that your Germany needs to have more room to add to its history in response to 1945-1990.Perhaps the East struggles in the early stages of the transition after 90s need to be added to them.

[@tosche774]

The journalist in the green jacket at 3:45 is a genius. Bringing his own ladder to get the best photage above the head of everyone else. Even using another random journalist to push himself up.

[@rahulramachandran4430]

Sharp eyes!

[@Sportliveonline]

a brilliant review

[@_Yannex]

I'm a Wossi. Born and raised from 79-2000 in the east, been an adult until today in the western part. One part in this video triggered my attention. The guy said that a big mistake was no honesty, in form of communication what the eastern guys have to expect in future. A kind of capitalism crash course. The people who didn't knew about capitalism at all were lost until today, sadly.

[@haffa4764]

Maybe you should clarify that the "disagreements between the Soviets and the other allies" was that the Sovietunion wanted a united and neutral Germany. The formation of the GDR was a reaction of the formation of the FRG. That is quite important and cant just be called "disagreements that led to two states". The other allies wanted a FRG, but the Sovietunion didnt want a GDR initialy.

[@luispereira5177]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@19KiloM1A1]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@euphoriaggaminghd]

Why would the soviets get to decide that over a sovereign nstion 1000km away from them

[@DimaRus-mw5zp]

​@@euphoriaggaminghd ironic USA still do it until this day and they are far away from Europe

[@kr_international_8608]

It was very sweet that the Germans reunified and didn't allow this illogical communism and division in their country. Best of luck for Germany and Germans.

[@andreasantoniou3481]

I envy the one Germany as a Cypriot...

[@jonixd4919]

You mean you’re on stolen land, Cyprus belongs to the Turkish Republic of Cyprus

[@godwrote01]

dont do it

[@DeutschlandMapping]

@@jonixd4919 Why be so offensive?

[@andreasantoniou3481]

@@jonixd4919 As I told you again, The so called "Turkish Republic of Cyprus" calls itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus". And dont you tell me that I am living on stolen lands, when my ancestors have been living here for 3000-4000 years. I am a Cypriot and I live in the Republic of Cyprus. That's what my recognised indentity says, that's what my recognised passport says and that's where I pay my taxes. The only ones in Cyprus that are living in stolen lands are the 40 000 people who came from Turkey after 1974.

[@Ja-uu9ep]

@@andreasantoniou3481 👏👏

[@jonrodriguez8394]

Now we need a unified korea

[@SirFaceFone]

Can't even imagine what a Korean unification would look like after 70+ years of separation.

[@Wizza11]

Really unlikely they will go broke. Be in debt it will destroy south koreas economy

[@johnl.7754]

Read that South Koreans are not willing to pay the reunification price/cost.

[@EdwardFominykh]

@@mickkrever4084 I'm assuming your talking about Taiwan. The thing is that the Taiwanese don't want to be under Communist rule. They would go war before getting invaded.

[@romanbukins6527]

You want that headache? Because, as far as economies and quality of life go GDR was a million times better than modern day north Korea. Not to mention what are they gonna do with all the random nukes and weapons caches across the country? Some of it might spill out of the continent.

[@munchenbayern7543]

Freedom is not free. It is wonderful for German people to overthrow the authoritarian GDR and enjoy freedom and democracy in a reunified country.

[@Exodon2020]

@War Against Tyranny Just like you enjoy supporting an unhinged lunatic who engages in means of Genocide. But keep pointing at others. That's all your degenerated country is good for these days...

[@mashedtomato2079]

@@Exodon2020 We're not all like this.....

[@mrbrainbob5320]

@@Exodon2020 Germany started the worlds most destructive war in human history how did trump do the same?

[@ultron2-465]

Please call it DDR.

[@henryc5534]

The partition of Germany was actually down to the Western allies. The Soviets were in favour of a neutral unified Germany as a buffer state between NATO and the Warsaw Pact.

[@SiVlog1989]

The BBC on the morning of the Reunification of Germany summed up part of the big immediate problem of Reunification quite well: "These celebrations are marking an absorption of the East by the West, rather than a merging of equals... "The West German economy was one of the World's strongest, with inflation low, unemployment falling and the Deutschemark a pivot of the European monetary system. Its now inherited the East's economic problems, which were caused by the removal of State Controls and monetary union in July. Already, more than 1.5 million are unemployed in the East or on short time working, thousands more per week are losing their jobs, 8000 formerly State owned firms are having to be privatised or closed." For me, as a Brit, the most visual representation of how German Reunification has at least improved things in the East (I'm not saying it's perfect) was through the beautiful transformation and restoration of the Frauenkirche in Dresden. Unnecessarily bombed to ruin during WW2 and not rebuilt during the GDR's existence, it has been rebuilt to its former glory since Reunification and is once again the heart of the great city of Dresden

[@aw412]

German reunification is a spectacular achievement. There are issues but in the grand scheme of things it’s a testament to the resiliency of the German people and the competence of German elites.

[@jackr5808]

Something i found interesting was the fact that germany was two different countries before one big one because of how that is such a well known country not a good reason but just knowing that it used to be split up but then they came together and finally saw that they should be one.

[@kawaiiboshi]

I forgive you Germany, also other nations did stuff! I know now Germany is capable of good things, I know.

[@jimmybutler3728]

We are the people shows where the power really is in its public citizenry...

[@johndaly612]

As an Irishman I envoy Germany

[@gamermapper]

You can still move between borders

[@alexschiebel5039]

Please do not misunderstand. All Germans have to pay the 5%solidarity tax. But not all the money is going to east Germany.

[@nevergonnagiveyouup.9162]

Of course. Its an money-pool only for the east. It would be illegal to take money from it to fund other stuff. Or have you any proof of your point.

[@mia-om7dt]

...and foreigners also pay the solidarity tax...

[@henningbartels6245]

@@nevergonnagiveyouup.9162 , you are totally wrong (similar to the video) : >Solidarity tax< is an income tax everybody has to pay in Germany. It goes directly into the federal budget with no intended purpose use given. When tax was introduce it was justified with additional cost of the unification expected. But actually this money went amoung others for the military expenses Germany had to pay in connections with wars at the Gulf or on the Balkans. Then there a federal program call >Solidarity pact< which gives subsidies to the East German States including Berlin to rebuild infrastructure or cope with depts. Just because the word >Solidarity< shows up in these two different things, people (like you) get confused and mix it up.

[@FreeDay997]

What is that nice music at the beginning? It sounds very familiar

[@Jose-mq8os]

East Germany was Soviet controlled for 45 years, and 33 years later we can't correct their mistakes

[@braddavid902]

As an American I’ve always admired Germany. The way they have come back after wars and divided Germany is amazing.

[@galadhremmin]

Germany is a miracle in many aspects

[@godwrote01]

Germany is a desaster

[@himanshubhushan4791]

@@godwrote01 your English skills make you a disaster

[@averagev8109]

Thank you

[@shazmosushi]

Ahh October 3 1990.. Happy 30 year anniversary!

[@1956paterson]

Not all of Germany was united. The lost eastern territories under Polish and Russian control were never even discussed. Germany lost eastern Brandenburg, Pommern, Schlesien, and East Prussia.

[@barryneild379]

... German version of "... since ancient times", at least Chinese Version is actually "ancient times" - it was unified 2000 years ago, in Germany's case 300 years.

[@barryneild379]

@@amm287 *... however China seems has less common sense - Sigh*

[@ikekiehxx9257]

Long gone, consequence of the lost war. We want to live in peace with our neighbors

[@AimeranCS]

No issue at all. The only problem is that russia now has a closer access into europe.

[@news_internationale2035]

Lost Austria too.

[@abcddef2112]

It was somewhat west germany annexation of east germany, no?

[@kawaiiboshi]

I love you Germany!!!! Stay united, you're wonderfull!

[@linos22]

00:06 For a moment I thought that was Meryl Streep

[@MrMarinus18]

12:25 However that isn't unique to east Germans. Dissatisfaction with how democracy is working is common all over.

[@Unnamed7964]

Ich liebe dich Deutschland, ich komme aus Italien

[@averagev8109]

Very infomercial

[@blanketcc7125]

I was always confused as to why West Berlin was given to West Germany, because it wasn't even in their territory.

[@Exodon2020]

Because that's what the Allies agreed to when they occupied Germany. If there weren't tensions setting in literally the moment the German signed the declaration of unconditional surrender West Berlin would have been handed over to the Soviets pretty quickly as cost for maintaining such an outpost were pretty staggering. But with the 1948 Blockade and the development leading towards the formation of two different states on German soil this agreement became the Status Quo. Berlin was the World's Capital of Espionage during that time.

[@haimbenavraham1502]

Perhaps the U.S of A, can learn something here.

[@mrbrainbob5320]

Well we have an orange off brand mustache man with a bad hair cut so yea no I don't it working.

[@user-fi2fk2ei7o]

perhaps some country need to learn to not kill some group of people just because they are exist

[@alexiel4406]

Learn what exactly?

[@godwrote01]

Dont

[@xtype2006]

Learn what?

[@AST4EVER]

Me watching with my die mannschaft worldcup winning jersey and cap hanging in my closet.... 🖖

[@GamesCell]

0:32 Romanians will for sure recognize this car

[@blava3155]

Why does she speak so slow with frequent silence?

[@earlknightjr.6161]

EXCELLENT ADAPTATION!! THE PRODUCTION IN A CAPSULE!! EXCELLENT!! I'M NOT GERMAN BUT I WAS ALWAYS CONCERNED ABOUT ITS HISTORY ON THE WORLD SCENE EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE SET BACK BY THE BREAKUP!! EARL OF EL BARRIO, NYC, N.Y. 11:26PM. 10/2/20. ,

[@thelvadam2884]

Cheers

[@carzyscenctist]

Let's do that with South and North Korea

[@sutherlandA1]

The economic and ideological gap is much more greater than in Germany, it will be so expensive and traumatic to the country and its people

[@Google-Experts]

It was the biggest mistake of Margaret Thatcher's period: her belief that German reunification was bad. However, her mistake was also a stroke of luck in history, because her hesitation accelerated the process. Her worst fears, of course, have long since vanished into thin air. A united Germany has behaved much more in the spirit of a European community than Great Britain has adhered to even for herself. And at this point, other biggest mistakes of British politicians join this series. With the last biggest disaster since the world war: the Brexit.

[@EdgyMemer_]

What about January 18th though.Do people in Germany celebrate it?

[@ianwilson8759]

Firstly, the USSR was never the "ally" of the UK and US. The USSR entered a war against Germany only because Germany decided to invade Ukraine and Russia in June 1944. The soviets were on life support until they received massive aid from the US and to some extent the UK. That aid didn't come in until after the US had entered the war in December 1941. Secondly, France had no capacity to fight Germany in WW2. In fact the unoccupied part of France was in the Axis with Germany, Italy, Austria, etc. The fact that France occupied 1/4 of Germany after the war was highly ironic and/or a sick joke.

[@enesamederel]

This comment is dedicated to Eastern germans to talk about their sincere thoughts about reunification. How was it in 90s? How they feel today? I kindly advice both side below this comment for productive discussion. Me personally wonder do you speak same German language or is it like different accent like austrian german? Here you go.

[@mrsporty9669]

Danke Deutschland 🇩🇪🌸🇪🇺

[@hubreydavid9422]

Democratic countries are building walls Germany broke down it's wall.

[@ikekiehxx9257]

I'm not sure if you can still call the country you have in mind "democratic"

[@renatedebruyn9612]

Reuniting Germany didn't change history .... it just corrected it. Almost.

[@cccccc9929]

@Scott Martin Germany paid the reparations for WWI, the last bill was paid in 2010. Also, Germany paid some reparations for WWII, but because of the cold war, a strong Germany was preferred, so they (West-Bloc countries) allowed to stop the payment until reunification. But when the reunification started, the international laws changed during the cold war, and Germany saw the opportunity to get rid of these last payments with the 2 + 4 treaty. I only know 3 countries, who want reparations. Greece (who always mentioned it to Germany), Poland (who waived the depts during the cold war because of the USSR), and Namibia (genocide against Herero and Tutsi). And Germany won't like to pay for it (WWII), because when one country gets now reparation, other countries will follow with their demands to Germany. I think the only country that might get the right to reparations from Germany is Greece when they complain at the international court.

[@uteriel282]

@@cccccc9929 east germany paid its reperations to russia. 80billion mark both in cash and corporate assets.

[@cccccc9929]

@@uteriel282 West-Germany paid the USSR too. Russia won't claim reparations from Germany.

[@stischer47]

I would not characterize East Germany as "socialist" but rather "failed communist".

[@vda6402]

I hope German unity helps usher an era of cooperation, tolerance and centrism in the running of Europe’s largest economy and the EU as whole. Extremist parts on both sides such as the AfD are an affront to the consensus and dialogue based order that has brought peace and prosperity to Europe in the last 80 years. Surely after two world wars we have learned that populism and racism is never the solution.

[@anuradhahazarika5090]

So your idea of a better world is based on centre values? Gee... I hate to spoil it for you but a stance towards neutrality might just as well be no stance at all, moderation is the reason why our world is in such a mess, had policymakers cared more about making big systemic changes rather than appeasing their voter base than the world would have been a much different place, if you try to appease everyone than you truly appease no one hence the reason nations the world over are seeing increasing polarisation.

[@antoninonapoli5085]

@@anuradhahazarika5090 no, centrism Is pragmatism, freedom, compromise and most of all MULTILATERALISM, something that now the US hates. Being a centrist doesn't mean being spineless

[@anuradhahazarika5090]

Antonino Napoli@ Being a centrist means not taking a stand on the things that truly matter, it truly is a passive approach to life, centrists have never been the authors of change and never will since they don't have any strong values to stand for. You don't have to be centrist to be pragmatic or even strategic in your approach it is just that after the advent of the internet people have become polarised in their opinions hence unable look eye to eye on any issue, it is a problem of media (echo chambers). As far as Multilateralism goes it is a failed system which is a hindrance to change since every political party is looking after their interests, look at China how do you think they manage to progress year after year without any problems? 'Duh' cause they have a one-party system which is much more efficient than having multiple parties vying for their gain (which is illogical if you're concerned of the interest of people).

[@antoninonapoli5085]

@@anuradhahazarika5090 ok think like that, liberal democracy has been literally created by centrists, being moderate doesn't mean you don't have values, but you clearly don't want to understand that

[@anuradhahazarika5090]

@@antoninonapoli5085 "liberal democracy has been created by centrists" would you care to explain why you think that is? Plus you're taking it personally, I've simply stated what holds to be true based on my understanding of politics, centrism is an ideology for those living in bad faith, sooner or later everyone is going to be forced to take a side whether they like it or not, the increasing polarization of our world is a testament of things to come.

[@henning8737]

I am born in east Berlin in 2003 but I can also feel the DDR for example we doesn't have big company's here.

[@itsme-sn5gi]

*We don't

[@henning8737]

@@itsme-sn5gi we don't are you sure about that

[@jaapfolmer7791]

No one expected it to be easy and that there are still scars and problems does not take away from Germany's achievements. Ich bin Niederländer und gratuliere gerne. I wish I could say the same about the Brits. They are going in the opposite direction.

[@adroitspartan7907]

Liebe grüße zum tag der Deutschen Einheit.

[@peterhacke8213]

At minute 6:20 its incorrect. It dosen't swaped at a rate of 1 to 1 it was 1 to 2, so much money that the people in the east earned were just cut in half!

[@napoleonibonaparte7198]

There’s still much to be done to reunify, no doubt.

[@Maxtherealone]

Says Napoleon, one of these guys wich tried hard to avoid a unified germany 😂

[@Exodon2020]

@@Maxtherealone He wanted a unified Germany, but small, weak and under his thumb. That's also why both Prussia and Austria were excluded from it.

[@SillyUwUBilly]

And by dat u mean ?

[@EM-ol6rb]

5:25 There were no euros then. Jfc the US dumbing down perspective here 🤦‍♀️

[@henningbartels6245]

The exchange rate at the monetary union was NOT 1:1 for the East German Mark - it was half - 1:2 ! The video is wrong in this matter. Only 4.000 East marks were allowed to be changed in 4.000 West marks. Well, I wonder, how long you can live from 2.000 Euros today. Everything else exceeding this amount were exchanged at the lower rate. With Eastern wages already less than half the amount of those in Western Germany you can reckon what kind of savings there were in the end of this process in the East.

[@bdmix6171]

Wherever British steps their foot they just divided that nation!

[@georgemacpherson1992]

Haha. You couldn’t be more wrong.

[@brotjack]

I thought the Spice Girls have made it clear through their song "when 2 Become 1" 🤣

[@irishskier9432]

here before a united ireland

[@godwrote01]

In a panel in Armenia, an east german and an west german discussed that issue. And as an armenian asked what we feel like...like brothers, Mother and Father, Uncle and Aunt. And the east german replied: East Germany was the the violated (raped) bride

[@RK-cj4oc]

Then he was simply a shelterd Eastern German.

[@zambianyoutuberx]

This was too good to believe! May God bless Unified Germany!!

[@aeronmarvydevera2402]

Ich liebe Deutschland

[@Lu5ck]

North Korea left the room. South Korea left the room. China left the room. Russia left the room. USA left the room.

[@AMuuse-ih2oo]

Hello *Germany* well done 🇩🇪💙🇩🇪👍🌿🌿👍Happy union👏👍✋💙love from *Somalia* 🇸🇴💙🇩🇪

[@SillyUwUBilly]

Wish Somalia could go similar thing soon (stop being anarchy state) u guys have a huge potential a a functioning country .Anyway best wishes from Poland.

[@zakaryloreto6526]

DW news how could of you forgotten of the third Saarland!

[@Bestillivoze]

No dealing with chemical weapons? Didn't west germany sell such weapons to Iraq during the 80's?

[@godwrote01]

West Germany sold chemicals, not all in one as a package but some here and some there ....but yes if you put these chemicals together you get an chemical weapon lol

[@SalvadorCiaro]

The GDR wasn definently not Communist, and also not Socialist. Because Socialism is the workers ownership of the means of production and some other stuff that is more difficult to explain.

[@agnieszkatwardosz5106]

Yeah. It’s kind of funny how they just take the words that were used by a dictatorship and regurgitate them. 2050 after Korean reunification do you think they’ll start describing North Korea as democratic because they had it in the name and described themselves as such? Lol.

[@rursus8354]

The music choice is bad. In the beginning and at 3:58 it is ironic -- it destroys the seriousness of the video message.

[@00martoneniris86]

Now we neet austria en germany too United

[@appleslover]

Glückwunsch Deutschland.❤🙏 aus der Türkei

[@MAK123547]

Germany, A shining example for the world to follow !

[@godwrote01]

oh pls not

[@muhammadfarhannaufal9358]

2020 Jerman Barat Jerman Timur

[@benruffo1197]

If the USA doesn't stop this red state blue state stuff, we will be next.

[@Wizza11]

Its all ready stuffed the dumbedt thing you can do is have states governors. You need one coubtry one law.

[@godwrote01]

in East Germany would vote Trump and West Germany Biden. Thats the truth today

[@Pocoyoles]

Watched a perfect a crime on Netflix before I watched this

[@user-pp8lw8cx4w]

Russia left these territories, Poland, and the Baltic states as well. Then NATO troops came there and began to accuse Russia of wanting to invade Europe. Funny

[@cooler_boi_patrick3989]

Wait we spend money to there railroad system?😅 Now they have a lower number of Rail km. Ok the west too. But we have to understand that at some places buses droved to the lower populatet citys and after the unification they didnt have the money to keep busses drive! Thats one of the problems

[@prometheus4993]

britains have two beds which was very warmly... the american bed and the european bed, but the older britains said ... NO to Europe , we are going to bed with our english speaking neighbours ) ooooh

[@jiaweike3518]

Germany should buy other countries in Europe just like the USA bought Alaska from Russia.

[@YO-pf3pq]

AFD= RIGHT CDU= CENTRIST SPD= LEFT This woman calling AFD as far-right CDU as right and SPD as left. Hey get your facts straight, If you wanna call AFD as FAR-RIGHT. Call CDU as CENTRISTS and SPD as FAR LEFT!

[@panchalim]

When you move to Germany and find out that you were born on the day of reunification...

[@bildkistl]

nice Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!

[@cccccc9929]

Be happy, you have always a free day on your birthday. 😁 So Reinfeiern always works.

[@AjinkyaGaikwad-zc1wu]

Ich liebe Deutschland

[@christianferguson6277]

Germany reunited because they own their fault at the war and learn from it. And now look at them largest economy in the EU.

[@UsernamerAlreadyTakn]

They have the most people

[@nevergonnagiveyouup.9162]

@@UsernamerAlreadyTakn and still the GDP per person is higher.

[@alexandererhard2516]

@@nevergonnagiveyouup.9162 Well at least of the >10 or 20 million countries. However some of the smaller countries like Swiss and Liechtenstein have higher GDP per person.

[@princek6135]

I pray to allah bhagwan god that India Pakistan reunification 😔😔😭

[@Tobias_Schoenwald]

i do belive this came out one day to early

[@paulinbrooklyn]

scEptAr33 ja In what way? Please forgive my possible stupidity, but is there some significant event on the German calendar tomorrow? Or are you instead saying that this video lacks DW’s usual standards of quality and polish by rushing this out? (I tend to agree with that latter view, as it takes a fascinating topic and zooms in on the core issues, but it was not a gripping video to watch.)

[@Tobias_Schoenwald]

@@paulinbrooklyn i was saying that german unity day is tommorow not today. this video came out one day to early.

[@SchwarzeSonne130]

Austria comes into germany next pls

[@alexiel4406]

That would be nice but without Russian and American support it will never happen. There is a treaty stoping the reunification

[@SchwarzeSonne130]

@@alexiel4406 first of all russia is way weaker than germany as of rn and is in debt to germany and alr said they would support germany in getting their eastern terriotires back and the usa u could say that for that germany will pay more into nato and also will give the usa military bases in austria so the usa would benefit and for russia just lower some debt

[@alexiel4406]

@@SchwarzeSonne130 you literally just explained that with their support they will get the territories back. Someone just has to make the deal

[@SchwarzeSonne130]

@Only a German Guy yes however the austrians always wanted to join germany even before ww1 they called themselves german etc. however they couldnt decide which house would be the ruling monarchs and also bismarck didtn want it otherwise austria,bohemia and slowenia would joined the german empire the hungarian part would become independent

[@SchwarzeSonne130]

@@alexiel4406 yep bc putin knows that whe ngermany and russia cooperate its time for peace they were allies once but other powers made them fight eachother but putin well knows a german - russian friendship would benefit both very good

[@strofikornego9408]

US West Coast and East Coast should also unify !

[@gutsjoestar7450]

why wasn't west germany intergrated in east germany ?

[@cccccc9929]

@Troy Bailey You mean socialism, we never had communism in the world.

[@gutsjoestar7450]

@@cccccc9929 cuban ussrn china , east germany , poland , romania, hungary, yougoslavia, bulgaria, Czechoslovakia , afganistan , north korea, vietnam, etc were communist i mean , how dumb of a perosn can you be to say there was never communism communiqm not only suck but it was used ussr and russia was the biggest comunist state and first in the world and socialismasocialisme nd communism is the same

[@cccccc9929]

@@gutsjoestar7450 It's not! Look for the definition. Communism is the idea, that the people live in a classless society and don't need a form of government. Socialism was the idea to get into communism, it's an intermediate form. It failed! Because this form wasn't democratic and free. But many people, especially in the USA, have problems to understand it. We never had communism, only socialism.

[@gutsjoestar7450]

@@cccccc9929 Communist ideology is the bring a socialist society you don't need to create your own theroy about comunnism because it's not communist are just people tired of riches taking advantage of workers so they create a whoe thing about workers i

[@gutsjoestar7450]

@@cccccc9929 the main communist idea is too unite a whole nation under one communist state the state is everything in communism a stateless country is just a stateless country no need to name it communism stalin was communist ussr mean union of soivet socialists republic there's socilaist into it socialism is a economic system comunism is an idelogy they're both related to ; as communism seek to establish a socilaist regime