Grenztruppen

Grenztruppen der DDR, commonly called Grenztruppen, were the border troops of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Formed in 1952, they were responsible for guarding East Germany's state borders—primarily the inner German border with West Germany and the borders with Czechoslovakia and West Berlin's access routes. They operated as a separate, paramilitary service under the Ministry of the Interior, distinct from the regular armed forces (National People’s Army).

Organization and duties: The Grenztruppen maintained a system of border posts, fences, guard towers, and patrols along the border. The force consisted largely of conscripts and temporary volunteers and worked in conjunction with other security organs, including the Stasi. Their mandate included preventing unauthorized border crossings and controlling border crossings (Grenzübergänge).

Notable aspects: The border defense relied on a heavily fortified border regime that included a so‑called death strip and the use of force to deter defection. The border zone saw numerous escape attempts and fatalities during the height of the Cold War. The Grenztruppen played a central role in enforcing East Germany’s restrictive migration policies and border controls.

Dissolution and legacy: In 1990, during German reunification, the Grenztruppen were dissolved. Personnel and assets were integrated into the federal border police (Bundesgrenzschutz), later renamed Bundespolizei. The border fortifications were dismantled or repurposed, and the border regime ended. The Grenztruppen remain a central element in histories of the East German state and the wider Cold War era.