The
The Bundesarchiv (BArch) is a supreme federal authority of the Federal Republic of Germany, which is subordinate to the business area of the Minister of State for Culture in the Federal Chancellery, the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.
The Bundesarchiv has the legal mandate to permanently secure, make usable, and scientifically utilize the archival material of the federal government and its predecessor institutions. The central tasks include:
The main mission of the Bundesarchiv is the permanent securing and provision of archival material for the research and understanding of German history. It decides whether the documents have lasting value for history, the safeguarding of legitimate citizen interests, or for legislation, administration, and jurisdiction. The Bundesarchiv ensures access to the archival material while maintaining the protection of private and public interests[2][3].
The Bundesarchiv is committed to the long-term preservation and accessibility of archival material. This includes:
The Bundesarchiv has its main office in Koblenz, but the Berlin-Lichterfelde location is the largest facility in terms of space and personnel. Other branches are located in Bayreuth, Ludwigsburg, Rastatt, Sankt Augustin, Hoppegarten, and Freiburg. The Bundesarchiv is divided into seven departments and the Foundation Archive of the Parties and Mass Organizations of the GDR in the Bundesarchiv[1][2].
The Bundesarchiv plays a central role in the preservation and communication of German history and ensures that it remains accessible and usable for future generations.
