Zigeunerdörfer

Zigeunerdörfer, a German term translating to "Gypsy villages," historically referred to settlements or informal clusters of dwellings inhabited by Roma and Sinti communities. These settlements were often located on the outskirts of towns or in rural areas, sometimes on common land or in designated marginal spaces. The term itself is now considered pejorative by many Roma and Sinti people, who prefer to be identified by their community name rather than through generalizations or terms with negative historical connotations.

The establishment and nature of these settlements varied greatly depending on the region and the specific historical period. In some instances, they were semi-permanent or permanent communities with rudimentary housing, while in others, they were more temporary encampments used by traveling groups. The living conditions within Zigeunerdörfer were often characterized by poverty, lack of basic infrastructure, and social marginalization. These settlements were frequently subject to discrimination and harassment from the surrounding majority populations and authorities.

During the Nazi era, Zigeunerdörfer became sites of extreme persecution. Roma and Sinti individuals residing in these areas, alongside those in other forms of housing, were targeted for forced displacement, internment, and ultimately, genocide as part of the Porajmos. Post-war, efforts to integrate Roma and Sinti communities into mainstream society sometimes led to the dismantling of existing settlements and the relocation of residents. Today, the concept of Zigeunerdörfer is largely understood as a historical phenomenon reflecting past marginalization and prejudice, rather than a contemporary reality. The term is avoided in respectful discourse, with emphasis placed on acknowledging the diversity and specific identities of Roma and Sinti peoples.