Reading & Discussion: After the German reunification is before the future—The role of the “post-reunification generation”

Soon, the time that has passed since German reunification will exceed the duration of the GDR’s existence. Yet the division of Germany continues to have an impact to this day and shapes even those who grew up after 1989–1990.

The anthology *Postwendekinder*, published in 2026, brings together the voices of 34 young authors and artists with East German backgrounds. Through essays, stories, and visual works, they explore questions of origin, identity, and the future. What does it mean to be East German? What do they learn from the past? How do they deal with stereotypes and populism? How do they want to help shape society? Will they leave, stay, or return to the East? The contributions each offer their own answers to these questions. What unites the authors and artists is the desire for a future of solidarity and equality between East and West Germany. During the reading, selected texts from the anthology will be presented. Afterward, we invite you to join us in a discussion about the social role of the “Postwendekinder” in the future of Germany.