Ordnungsnummer

Ordnungsnummer, also known as "order number" or "registration number," is a unique identifier assigned to individuals, typically in the context of concentration camps and other forms of forced labor during the Holocaust. The system was introduced by the Nazi regime to facilitate the administration and control of prisoners. Each prisoner was assigned an Ordnungsnummer, which was usually a five-digit number, although it could vary in length depending on the camp. This number was used for various purposes, including identification, record-keeping, and tracking the movements of prisoners.

The Ordnungsnummer was typically tattooed on the inner left arm of the prisoner, although in some cases, it was written on a piece of paper or a small card. The number was assigned upon arrival at the camp and remained with the prisoner throughout their time there, even if they were transferred to another camp. In some cases, the number was changed if the prisoner was released or died.

The Ordnungsnummer was a crucial tool for the Nazi regime, allowing them to monitor the health, work capacity, and movements of prisoners. It also facilitated the identification of prisoners for medical examinations, work assignments, and other administrative purposes. The system was designed to dehumanize prisoners and treat them as mere numbers, reflecting the Nazi ideology of racial purity and the superiority of the Aryan race.

The Ordnungsnummer system was abolished after the end of World War II, and the practice of tattooing prisoners was discontinued. However, the legacy of the Ordnungsnummer lives on, serving as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust and the importance of remembering and learning from the past.