1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
HistoryGermany

Post-Nazi Germany - Road to Democracy

April 30, 2025

Eighty years ago, on May 8, 1945, Germany’s Wehrmacht surrendered. For Europe, it marked the end of World War II. But what happened next? Was there really a "Zero Hour"?

Post-Nazi Germany - Road to Democracy
Image: Stephanie Pilick/dpa/picture alliance

And what traces of 12 years of Nazi rule remain today?

The Myth of the "Zero Hour"
The years following the collapse of the Nazi regime are often described in Germany as a "Zero Hour." But was it real? How did Nazis become democrats? Arts Unveiled explores a long journey that continues to this day.

Image: Luisa Fumi/Zoonar/IMAGO

Commemorating the Victims and Documenting Nazi Crimes

World War II claimed tens of millions of lives and devastated countless cities — including in Germany. Which places still bear witness to the Nazi terror, where are the victims commemorated? Traces of the darkest chapter in German history.

Broadcasting Hours: 

DW English

SAT 03.05.2025 – 05:02 UTC
SAT 03.05.2025 – 10:30 UTC
SUN 04.05.2025 – 07:30 UTC
SUN 04.05.2025 – 12:30 UTC
SUN 04.05.2025 – 15:30 UTC
SUN 04.05.2025 – 22:30 UTC
MON 05.05.2025 – 17:30 UTC
TUE 06.05.2025 – 06:30 UTC
THU 08.05.2025 – 00:30 UTC

Lagos UTC +1 | Cape Town UTC +2 | Nairobi UTC +3
Delhi UTC +5,5 | Bangkok UTC +7 | Hong Kong UTC +8
London UTC +1 | Berlin UTC +2 | Moscow UTC +3
San Francisco UTC -7 | Edmonton UTC -6 | New York UTC -4

Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Skip next section More stories from DW