Kreissekretär

Kreissekretär, literally “district secretary,” was a political party office title used in German-speaking countries to denote the secretary responsible for the administration of a Kreis (district) level organizational unit. In the Nazi Party (NSDAP) structure, the Kreis was a mid-level division within a Gau, led by a Kreisleiter (district leader). The Kreissekretär served under the Kreisleiter and performed administrative tasks essential to party operations at the district level.

Typical duties included managing correspondence and records, maintaining the Kreis's files, organizing meetings, coordinating activities of local Ortsgruppen (local groups), handling logistics and procurement, and assisting in the dissemination of party directives and propaganda within the district. The role also involved financial administration, report preparation, and liaison with higher party organs at the Gau and Reich levels.

While the term is most closely associated with the Nazi period, similar district-secretary roles appeared in other German political organizations in the early 20th century. After World War II and the restructuring of German political life, the use of Kreissekretär declined, and the title is now largely historical. When used today, it is usually in historical discussions or genealogical references rather than as an active public office.

See also: Kreisleiter, Ortsgruppe, Gau.