Nazi salute facts for kids

Hitler Youth in Berlin performing the Nazi salute at a rally in 1933

The Nazi salute was a special way of greeting used in Nazi Germany. People would hold their right arm straight up in the air with their hand flat. Often, they would say "Heil Hitler!" (meaning "Hail Hitler!"), "Heil, mein Führer!" (meaning "Hail, my leader!"), or "Sieg Heil!" (meaning "Hail victory!"). This gesture was a sign of loyalty to the Nazi Party and its leader, Adolf Hitler. It also showed respect for Germany.

What Was the Nazi Salute?

The Nazi salute was a gesture where a person extended their right arm. The hand was kept flat and straight. This salute was a key part of life in Nazi Germany. It was meant to show strong support for the government.

Why Was This Salute Used?

The Nazi Party started using this salute in the 1930s. It was a way for people to show they were loyal to Adolf Hitler. It also honored the German nation. Later, it became a way to support Germany's war efforts.

Most everyday people in Germany were required to use this salute. However, soldiers in the military had a choice. They could use their traditional military salute. This changed after July 20, 1944. After an attempt to harm Hitler, the military also had to use the Nazi salute.

Is the Nazi Salute Used Today?

Using the Nazi salute is now against the law in many countries. These include Germany, Italy, Japan, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, and Uzbekistan. In other places like Switzerland, France, Canada, the Netherlands, and Sweden, it is also illegal. It is seen as a form of hate speech if it promotes Nazi ideas.

Images for kids

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  Nazis performing the Nazi salute at the Harzburg Front rally in Bad Harzburg, October 1931

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  Hitler and Hermann Göring (first row left) saluting at a 1928 Nazi Party rally in Nuremberg

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  A mass "Sieg Heil" during a rally in the Tempelhof-Schöneberg district of Berlin in 1935

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  Enamel sign with the note "The German greets: Hail Hitler!" (Der Deutsche grüßt: Heil Hitler!)

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  Ten- and eleven-year-old Berlin schoolchildren, 1934. The salute was a regular gesture in German schools.

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  Fritz Schilgen carrying the Olympic torch at the Berlin Olympic Stadium with the public giving the Nazi salute in the background.

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  Karl Dönitz and Wehrmacht performing Nazi salute, 1941

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  "Millions stand behind me" (John Heartfield photomontage)

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  August Landmesser in his refusal to salute

See also

In Spanish: Saludo fascista para niños