Deutsches Exilarchiv 1933-1945 der Deutschen Nationalbibliothek (en)

What events and experiences forced people to flee? Which paths did they take into exile – and who helped them? What was daily life like in the exile country? What became of the family members? Of careers and networks? Was it necessary to learn a new language? How did the exiles cope in other cultures? And, indeed, does exile ever actually end?

How many went into exile? Who were they? What did the experience of exile mean to them? What was it like, for example, to go into exile as a child? And how did this experience differ from that of an adult? Were there common experiences which were shared by all exiles? How did they cope in their new circumstances? How did people behave in seemingly hopeless situations? What gave them succour or grounds for optimism?

Where could people escape to? To a neighbouring country? Or as far away as possible? What factors played a role in choosing the country of refuge? Did they have any choice? What were political conditions like in the countries of refuge? What were the conditions of entry? How open was society in the host country? What status did refugees have there? And how did their situation change after the beginning of the Second World War?