Hans F. K. Günther

Bundesarchiv Bild 183-1989-0912-500, Prof. Hans G%C3%BCnther

Hans Friedrich Karl Günther (16 February 1891 – 25 September 1968) was a German race theorist and eugenicist in the early 20th century. He is best known for his work in the field of racial hygiene and his influence on Nazi racial policy.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Günther was born in Freiburg im Breisgau, German Empire. He studied at the University of Freiburg and later at the University of Vienna, where he focused on linguistics, anthropology, and sociology.

Career[edit | edit source]

Günther began his academic career as a teacher and later became a professor of racial science at the University of Jena, University of Berlin, and University of Freiburg. His work primarily focused on the classification of human races and the promotion of eugenics.

Publications[edit | edit source]

Günther authored several influential books, including Rassenkunde des deutschen Volkes (Racial Science of the German People) and Rassenkunde Europas (Racial Science of Europe). These works categorized people into different racial types and argued for the superiority of the Nordic race.

Influence on Nazi Ideology[edit | edit source]

Günther's theories significantly influenced Nazi ideology and policies. His ideas were incorporated into the Nuremberg Laws, which aimed to preserve the purity of the Aryan race. He was awarded the Goethe Medal for Art and Science by the Nazi regime for his contributions to their racial policies.

Later Life and Death[edit | edit source]

After World War II, Günther was arrested and interned by the Allied forces. He was later released and continued to write until his death in 1968 in Freiburg im Breisgau.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Günther's work remains controversial due to its association with Nazi ideology and the Holocaust. His theories have been widely discredited by modern science, but they continue to be studied as part of the history of racial science and eugenics.