In the news1933–1938
Car ownership grew slowly between 1933 and 1938
Motorization remained limited in the 1930s, as the number of cars grew from 0.5 million in 1933 to 1.3 million in 1938, yet there were still only 19 cars for every 1,000 inhabitants.
Getting around
Rural goods transport by horse carriages
Despite the growth of automobiles and trucks, horse-drawn carriages remained the dominant method for transporting goods in rural areas.
At the table
Daily shopping and dishwashing routines
Because food could not be kept fresh without refrigerators, working-class housewives shopped daily for small amounts, spending at least an hour each day comparing prices. Dishes were washed in two basins pulled from under the kitchen table, using soda instead of soap and drying them with care, as there was no running warm water.
What people wore
Special attire for Jewish festive occasions
Jewish women often purchased new, luxury outfits specifically for high holidays and festive occasions like Purim or Hanukkah, though they were sometimes cautioned by community leaders against wearing excessive, flashy displays of wealth in public.
Music
Popular singing and songs
Singing was a popular pastime, with groups like the Comedian Harmonists rising to fame and children frequently singing songs like Three Chinese with the Double Bass.
Daily life
Schooling and Daily Costs for Children
Children typically attended day schools, carrying their books and lunches in long tin satchels. At schools like the Pestalozzi Fröbel Haus, pupils could purchase milk for 5 pfennigs or dine at school for 10 pfennigs.