Nazi salute

Bundesarchiv Bild 147-0510, Berlin, Lustgarten, Kundgebung der HJ

Bundesarchiv Bild 102-12405, Bad Harzburg, Jubelnde NSDAP-Anhänger

Bundesarchiv Bild 183-J00282, Berlin, Hitler im Sportpalast

Hitler 1928 crop

Bundesarchiv Bild 102-04481B, Berlin, Maifeier auf dem Tempelhofer Feld

Nazi salute or Hitler salute (German: Hitlergruß, pronounced [ˈhɪtlɐˌɡʁuːs]), is a gesture that was used as a greeting in Nazi Germany. The salute is performed by extending the right arm from the shoulder into the air with a straightened hand. Usually, the person offering the salute would say "Heil Hitler!" (Hail Hitler!), "Heil, mein Führer!" (Hail, my leader!), or "Sieg Heil!" (Hail victory!). It was adopted in the 1920s by the Nazi Party to signal obedience to the party's leader, Adolf Hitler, and to glorify the German nation (and later the German war effort). The salute was mandatory for civilians but mostly optional for military personnel, who retained the traditional military salute until the failed assassination attempt on Hitler in 1944.

Origins and adoption

The Nazi salute was inspired by the Roman salute, which was featured in many Italian fascist movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The gesture for the Nazi salute was adopted by the Nazi Party in 1923. It was seen as a way to promote unity and loyalty within the party and to distinguish themselves from other political groups in Germany. The use of the salute, along with the swastika, became central symbols of the party's identity.

Use in Nazi Germany

During the reign of the Nazi regime, the Nazi salute became a common sight in Germany. It was used in schools, public events, and in the daily life of German citizens. The salute was a significant part of Nazi propaganda and was meant to demonstrate the unity and strength of the German people under Nazi rule. Refusal to perform the salute could result in punishment, including arrest and detention in concentration camps.

Post-World War II

After the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, the use of the Nazi salute was banned in Germany and Austria. Today, it is considered a criminal offense in these countries to use the salute, as it is associated with hate speech and the promotion of Nazi ideology. Despite this, the salute and its variations have been used by neo-Nazi groups and in other contexts to express allegiance to Nazi principles.

Legal status

The legal status of the Nazi salute varies from country to country. In Germany, Austria, and several other European countries, displaying the Nazi salute is illegal and can lead to arrest and prosecution. In other countries, the legality of the salute depends on the context in which it is used, such as whether it is considered hate speech or a form of political expression.

In popular culture

The Nazi salute has appeared in films, literature, and art, often as a way to depict the evils of the Nazi regime and to critique its ideologies. It is a powerful symbol of totalitarianism and oppression and is frequently used to warn against the dangers of unchecked power and authoritarianism.