Gastarbeiter in Germany: Who Were the Guest Workers?

You hear the word "Gastarbeiter" in a history book or in the German citizenship test. You are not sure what it means. This word describes an important part of Germany's modern history.

Who Were the Gastarbeiter?

"Gastarbeiter" means "guest worker." These were foreign workers who came to West Germany for jobs. Most of them arrived between 1955 and 1973.

Germany After 1945: The Historical Background

Nazi Rule and Its End (1933–1945)

The National Socialists, led by Adolf Hitler, ruled Germany from 1933 to 1945. This period ended with World War Two. Germany lay in ruins after the war.

The Allied Occupation Powers

After 1945, four Allied powers occupied Germany. These powers were the USA, the United Kingdom, France, and the Soviet Union. Japan was never an occupation power in Germany.

West Germany, the Bundesrepublik Deutschland, was founded in 1949. The country slowly rebuilt its economy and its institutions.

The Economic Miracle

The West German economy grew fast in the 1950s. People call this growth the "Wirtschaftswunder," or economic miracle. Factories needed more workers than Germany had.

The Recruitment Agreements (1955–1973)

Which Countries Signed Agreements?

West Germany signed labour agreements with several countries. These agreements were called "Anwerbeabkommen." They allowed foreign workers to take jobs in Germany.

• Italy: 1955
• Spain: 1960
• Greece: 1960
• Turkey: 1961
• Morocco: 1963
• Portugal: 1964
• Tunisia: 1965
• Yugoslavia: 1968

What Kind of Work Did Guest Workers Do?

Guest workers worked in coal mines, steel plants, and car factories. Companies like Volkswagen and Ford hired many guest workers. The work was often hard and physically demanding.

Guest Workers and Trade Unions

Trade unions, called "Gewerkschaften" in German, represent employees. Guest workers could also join German trade unions. Unions helped guest workers negotiate wages and working conditions.

Family Life and the Rotation Principle

The government had a plan called the "rotation principle." Workers should stay only a few years, then return home. Many companies disliked this plan, because training new workers cost time and money.

Many guest workers stayed much longer than planned. Some brought their families to Germany later. New neighborhoods and communities grew around guest worker families.

Life in a New Country

Many guest workers first lived in company dormitories, called "Wohnheime." Rooms were often small and shared with other workers. Daily life was hard, especially without German language skills.

Some guest workers faced discrimination at work and in daily life. Learning German was often difficult, because language courses were rare in the early years. Many workers learned German mainly through daily contact with colleagues.

Guest workers also changed everyday life in Germany. They brought new food, music, and traditions from their home countries. Turkish, Italian, Greek, and Yugoslav shops and restaurants opened in many German cities.

By 1973, several million foreign workers lived in West Germany. Their work supported many industries during years of strong economic growth.

The End of Recruitment: The Anwerbestopp

In 1973, an oil crisis hit the West German economy. The government stopped new labour recruitment. This stop was called the "Anwerbestopp."

Many guest workers already living in Germany did not leave. Germany slowly became their permanent home.

From Guest Workers to German Citizens

Over time, many guest workers and their children became German citizens. German law allows naturalization after several years of legal residence. This rule stands in § 10 Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz (StAG).

Since the year 2000, birth can also bring German citizenship. Children born in Germany to foreign parents can receive it. Certain conditions apply, under § 4 StAG.

Guest Workers and the Bundesverdienstkreuz

Germany honors people who made an outstanding contribution to the country. This honor is called the "Bundesverdienstkreuz," or Order of Merit. People receive it for achievements in politics, economy, culture, intellectual life, or social work.

Why This History Matters for the Citizenship Test

The Einbürgerungstest asks questions about this period of German history. You need to know the years of Nazi rule. You need to know which countries were occupation powers. You need to know the purpose of trade unions and the meaning of the Bundesverdienstkreuz.

Test Your Knowledge

Practice these official test questions from this topic:

• Question 152: When were the National Socialists with Adolf Hitler in power in Germany? Answer: 1933 to 1945.
• Question 155: When were the National Socialists in power in Germany? Answer: 1933 to 1945.
• Question 168: Which country was not an "Allied occupation power" in Germany? Answer: Japan.
• Question 101: Trade unions are interest groups for... Answer: employees.
• Question 102: What honor can someone receive in the Federal Republic of Germany for an outstanding achievement in politics, economy, culture, intellectual life, or social work? Answer: the Bundesverdienstkreuz.

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This article provides information, not legal advice.