Blockälteste

Blockälteste, literally block elder, was an inmate functionary used in Nazi concentration camps and other forced-labor camps to manage daily life inside a barrack (the block). The position was part of the broader Kapo system, where selected prisoners were given authority over fellow inmates to help maintain order and organize work, under the supervision of SS guards.

The Blockälteste typically supervised roll calls, overseen the distribution of food and supplies within the block, and enforced camp rules among the inmates. They acted as intermediaries between prisoners and the camp administration, relaying information and complaints to the guards or block leaders. In many camps they coordinated tasks, helped organize labor details, and could mediate disputes. The specific duties and the degree of authority varied by camp and time. In some blocks the role existed for both male and female inmates, though the power was always exercised within the framework set by the SS.

Selection methods differed: some blocks elected a Blockälteste among prisoners, while others appointed one or rotated the position. The role carried personal risk, as block leaders could be punished for failures or used to enforce punishments on others. The Blockälteste was not a neutral guardian; the position was often instrumental in enforcing discipline and facilitating the daily mechanisms of control within the camp.

Context and significance: the Blockälteste is a notable example of the Kapo system, which transferred certain administrative tasks from SS personnel to inmate functionaries. This arrangement varied widely in practice, with some leaders offering limited protection to fellow prisoners and others participating in or contributing to abuses.