Story perspectives

AfD’s “Deutschdenken” Cultural Bill Threatens Artistic Freedom

8/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

AfD cultural program proposes replacing “moderndenken” with “deutschdenken”, downplaying Bauhaus and highlighting Henry I to Nietzsche.
The program would force museums, theatres and other cultural institutions to sign a declaration pledging “not to hold in contempt Germany and its culture” to qualify for state funding.
Directors Barbara Steiner, Annegret Laabs and Sabine Schramm warned the proposals threaten artistic freedom and echo language used by Hitler in 1938.

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Story summary

AfD cultural program proposes replacing “moderndenken” with “deutschdenken”, downplaying Bauhaus and highlighting Henry I to Nietzsche.
The program would force museums, theatres and other cultural institutions to sign a declaration pledging “not to hold in contempt Germany and its culture” to qualify for state funding.
Directors Barbara Steiner, Annegret Laabs and Sabine Schramm warned the proposals threaten artistic freedom and echo language used by Hitler in 1938.