Normalien

Normalien refer to individuals who continued to reside in occupied Western Germany, particularly in former East Germany, after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The term "Normalien" was coined in the early 1990s to describe a subset of East Germans who chose to remain in the reunified Germany rather than returning to their ancestral homeland.

The concept of Normalien emerged as a response to the returning expats, known as "Umsiedler" or "Ausgewanderte," who repatriated to East Germany after the reunification. In contrast, Normalien remained in West Germany, often by choice or due to economic circumstances. This demographic comprised individuals from various backgrounds, including those who had established connections with West Germany, were accustomed to the country's standard of living, or had experienced the difficulties of navigating East and West Germany after reunification.

Normalien were not a monolithic group, as some had anti-communist sympathies, while others were simply too old or infirm to make the transition to the new political and economic realities. Some communities welcomed Normalien, recognizing their knowledge and experience of navigating both East and West Germany, while others viewed them with suspicion or outright hostility. As the 1990s progressed, Normalien became increasingly integrated into German society, albeit not always without difficulties. Their presence helped to break the distinction between East and West Germans, leading to greater cultural exchange and understanding between the formerly divided populations.