East German mark facts for kids
The East German mark was the official money used in East Germany (also known as the German Democratic Republic or GDR) from 1948 until 1990. It was replaced by the Deutsche Mark when East and West Germany reunited. This currency helped people buy things and pay for services in East Germany for over 40 years.
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What Was East Germany?
After World War II ended in 1945, Germany was divided into four parts. Each part was controlled by one of the winning countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and the Soviet Union. In 1949, the parts controlled by the Soviet Union became a new country called the German Democratic Republic, or East Germany. The other parts became West Germany.
East Germany had a different political and economic system compared to West Germany. It was a socialist state, which meant the government controlled most businesses and industries. Having its own money was an important part of being an independent country.
The Money: Coins and Banknotes
The East German mark came in both coins and paper money (banknotes). Just like the money you use today, different values were available for different needs.
Coins of East Germany
East German coins were made from various metals. They featured symbols and important figures from East German history and culture. For example, some coins showed the national emblem, while others honored famous people or important events.
Banknotes of East Germany
The paper money, or banknotes, also had different values. They often featured pictures of important buildings, workers, or leaders from East Germany. These designs helped tell the story of the country and its values. The banknotes were used for larger purchases, while coins were used for smaller everyday items.
How the Mark Was Used
For people living in East Germany, the mark was their everyday money. They used it to buy groceries, clothes, and other goods in state-owned stores. They also used it to pay for rent, transportation, and services like haircuts or movie tickets.
The government controlled prices for most goods and services. This meant that prices usually stayed the same for a long time. However, it also meant that sometimes there were not enough goods available in the stores.
Why the Mark Disappeared
The East German mark was used for over 40 years. But in 1989, big changes happened in East Germany. People wanted more freedom and a different way of life. The Berlin Wall, which had divided East and West Berlin, fell in November 1989.
Soon after, East and West Germany decided to reunite and become one country again. This happened on October 3, 1990. When the two Germanys reunited, they decided to use only one currency: the Deutsche Mark, which had been the money of West Germany. The East German mark was no longer used, and people exchanged their East German marks for Deutsche Marks. This was a big step in bringing the two parts of Germany back together.
Images for kids
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A 10 Mark coin from 1981, celebrating 25 years of the National People's Army.
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A 10 Mark coin from 1986, honoring the 100th birthday of Ernst Thälmann.
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A 20 Mark coin from 1983, featuring Karl Marx. It was made for the 100th anniversary of his death.
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Workers unloading sacks of coins from the Staatsbank to be destroyed in 1990.
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The back side of a 10 Mark banknote from 1971.
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See also
In Spanish: Marco de la República Democrática Alemana para niños
