German Concentration Camps -?

Question

Would it be rude to ask a German host family to a take an american student to see a concentration camp? We do not want to insult the family, but it would be very interesting history.

Answer 1

I don't think so, just ask them.I wouldn't feel insulted at all, on the contrary.However, you should be aware that the next former KZ site might be far away, and only few of those former KZs sites are more than just a small memorial stone.After the war, nobody was keen on preserving them, so only a few are really worth a visit.The most impressive one, Auschwitz, is in Poland, for example.Where exactly will you stay in Germany?

Answer 2

Hello,

I think it would depend on the family.  Some may be offended and some may not.  Perhaps you can ask about their family history to see if they offer any information.  If they seem like they want to share their experiences, then broach the subject.  Make sure you let them know you are interested in the history and not just some nut job.  If you are staying near Munich you can go see Dachau.  It is very interesting and yet, a very sad and sobering site.    I believe there is a bus that runs there or maybe a train.

Donna

Answer 3

That would depending on how the question is asked and the family. I imagine some would be offended not because of there beliefs but because no one "Normal Intelligent person" would like to be associated with that period. And many Germans feel that no matter what Germany has done since the NS time they will always be reminded of that great crime that German were the criminals. Depending upon the age of the student and where he lives I would recommend traveling alone. Dachau is very easily accessible and well traveled, even through it was not an extermination camp but a work camp the visit is very enlightening. Actually being on the same hallowed ground, for afterward you will never be able to say that it did not happen.

All the best.

Answer 4

No. It's like asking a Dutch family to take you to see the Anne Frank museum. Why would it be rude?

Answer 5

Hey, I've faced this too.  I was reluctant to ask my German hosts to bring me to a concentration camp.  So I didn't ask them.



However, one day, they asked if I would be keen to actually visit the concentration camp.  It turns out that they have no qualms discussing about these issues.  So I was worried for nothing!

I think it's ok to just ask if it's all right for them to bring you to the concentration camps.  This gives them the option to say yes or no.

Answer 6

Why would you be insulting them??? Did they personally commit those crimes back then? If so they must be more that 80 years old! I think your train of thought is insulting!

Answer 7

I am Austrian and i don`t think that they would be insulted. Because they want to tell other people what happend to them. My grandfather  tells me sometimes something about the world war and it`s really interesting. I can ask him everything and he isn`t isulted. So I don`t think that your host family would be insulted.

Answer 8

No it's not. Many pupils visit one as part of their history lessons at school, it is strongly encouraged as a means of raising awareness and preventing something similar from happening again.

The one thing you can do to make your host family more comfortable with the issue is tell them where your wish to see a concentration camp comes form - which I assume is an interest in world history. We do get the odd exchange student who thinks any thing connected to the war is ever so cool and macho and whatever - now that's an attitude that would make me as a host parent tell you to better not go visit.

Answer 9

Yes it would be actually. To many German people especially the older ones that is a period of history they would rather forget.