Säuberung

Säuberung is a German word that translates to "cleansing" or "purification." In a historical context, it most commonly refers to the expulsion of ethnic Germans from Eastern Europe after World War II. This process, often referred to as the "expulsion of Germans" or "ethnic cleansing," involved the forced displacement of millions of ethnic Germans from their ancestral homelands in territories that were ceded to Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and the Soviet Union.

These expulsions were largely a consequence of the war and the subsequent redrawing of borders. The Soviet Union, in particular, played a significant role in orchestrating and facilitating these population transfers. The stated aims included punishing Germans for their role in the war, repopulating depopulated areas, and creating more ethnically homogeneous states. The methods used varied but often involved violence, expropriation of property, and forced marches under harsh conditions, leading to widespread suffering and significant loss of life.

The term "Säuberung" itself carries a strong negative connotation due to its association with these events. It is important to note that while the expulsions were officially sanctioned and often carried out by state authorities, they were also accompanied by widespread acts of retribution and violence by local populations. The legacy of the Säuberung remains a sensitive and contentious issue in the countries involved and among the descendants of those who were displaced.