Aufarbeitung

Aufarbeitung is a German noun that denotes the process of dealing with, examining, or working through something that has happened. It encompasses analysis, interpretation, revision, and remediation, and can refer to memories, events, data, or policies. The related verb is aufarbeiten, meaning to work something up, to process it, or to rework it.

In historical and public discourse, Aufarbeitung often refers to confronting and coming to terms with past events, especially crimes or abuses. In Germany, the term is frequently used in discussions about the Nazi era and its legacy, as part of the broader concept of Vergangenheitsbewältigung, or “coming to terms with the past.” Public debates about memorialization, restitution, and accountability are framed as Aufarbeitung of historical injustice.

In psychology and psychotherapy, Aufarbeitung describes the individual process of processing distressing experiences, trauma, guilt, or losses. The aim is to understand, integrate, and emotionally regulate these experiences, which can involve personal reflection, therapy, and narrative work.

Outside historical and therapeutic contexts, Aufarbeitung is used in data analysis, journalism, and organizational life. It can mean the re-examination or re-analysis of data, reports, or incidents, often followed by explanations, recommendations, and corrective actions. In organizational settings, an Aufarbeitung may document causes, responsibilities, and steps to prevent recurrence.

Related terms include Aufarbeitung der Vergangenheit and, more broadly, Vergangenheitsbewältigung. The concept is inherently multidisciplinary, spanning history, memory studies, psychology, journalism, and governance, while sharing a common emphasis on making sense of and responding to what has occurred.