Regarding the quality - in general, the quality of DDR products was actually quite good. Especially the white goods. Everything needed to last for as long as possible, because replacement would cost more expensive materials than having it last forever. It is true that eventually in the 80s there were huge problems with materials, which lead to lower quality of Trabant exhaust mufflers for instance. But plastic was relatively inexpensive, even there.
East Germany was a state in western Europe. The had the same influences like any other western state. I don't think they copied westgermany as much as west Germany copied any other state in the western hemisphere. They were still Germans in the DDR, not soviets.
Shopped there a few times in the 1980s when I was in the USAir Force assigned to Tempelhof. Pretty good selection, was more interested in buying optical equipment, like cameras, lenses, etc.
Das war einfach genial einen RG 25 sowie es original im Verkauf war zu sehen. Ich habe noch so 'was und es läuft perfekt. Am meistens benutze ich es für's Kaffee-mahlen, dazu den Mix-Aufsatz für Bananen-Milkshakes und den Mixer für Kuchen und Britische 'Puddings'. Ich schreibe Blogs über die weibliche Pop-Musik im ehemaligen Ostblock ('Girls Of The Golden East' und 'Bananas For Breakfast') und in einem Beitrag bei 'Girls Of The Golden East' unter den Titel 'On location with the GOTGE' (30. Juli 2016) habe ich Auszüge aus dem Tschechoslovakischen Film 'Kvočny a Král' ('Die Hühner und der König') (1974) worin eine junge Frau so ein bauchfreies Oberteil, wie im Katalog stand, trägt. Ich würde anders über den Hi-Fi und Kofferradios wie Sie es beschreiben sagen. Für meinen zwölften Geburtstag in 1973 bekam ich ein schönes ITT-KB Tiny Super Kofferradio und es sah genau wie das Dritte von ganz oben an der linken Kante der Seite mit 'FDJ' aus, die ich selbst überhaupt nicht als 'altmodisch' beschreiben würde. Die westliche Beispiele, die Sie benutzen, sowie ich es halte, sind 'Stil-Ikone', die für alltägliche Kunden auch im Westen ganz unerforderlich sein würden.
How many of those products were actually available? How long was the wait? Westerners who had to exchange 25 West marks in East Berlin found spending that much difficult because there was nothing to buy.
Since the products were not made according to demand there were always sold out items. Either because there were not enough made in general or because they were too popular.
I am sure we had some things presented in this catalogue in Finland in the early 70s. I remember we had the orange "Zwiebelschneider" that I am sure was not West German. Its "cardboard" box was very flimsy and the colours and print did not look very attractive, sort of faded, matt and "old". Also, the model of the low back armchair (red) looks familiar but I guess it was pretty international. We had ones in burgundy, sort of checkered "fake leather" kind of material that did not even try to imitate leather. It was totally plasticky but seemed to be very durable.
Hello from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I grew up in 1987 until 1988. I was living in Berlin with my mother. However, we moved back to Canada for a little while and then moved back in the 90s for a couple of more years. I have noticed that many East German products were sold in Canada in certain department stores. Many products were marked made in Germany. This meant they came from East Germany. Most products that were made in West Germany were stamped with this icon. However, the East Germans were kind of sneaky about selling their products to other countries. Canada was the biggest buyer of East German goods. Many things, like carpeting, clothing, toys, and kitchen items like coffee cups and dishes, were all made in Germany. Most of these items were cheap to buy and undercut. After the wall came down, there was a product shortage in 1990 until 1992. Now we have everything made in China, and there is a reason everyone wants a good deal. Before the '1990s, East Germany supplied 49% of the planet with their items. 90% of the products made in East Germany were sold to other countries. West Germany couldn't control where they would sell their goods; however, West Germany put certain embargoes on East German goods sold in West Germany. The Americans also halted certain items, but East Germany had products that no one else had; some of them were used for aluminium manufacturing, and the only place they could mine certain chemicals was in East Germany. Certain items were difficult for someone in East Germany to buy as most of their products would be sold out of country. This is where most of the East German politicians became very rich and stored their money outside the country. Even politicians like Angela Merkel made millions of dollars before the wall ever came down. This is why a lot of East German politicians became German politicians when the wall came down as they bought places in the German government. You can say it's grease money, and corruption is in every country, but most Germans don't believe in certain things like this. but not every product was sold in other countries as that product would be inferior that means the product would be complete garbage and not usable for anyone outside of East Germany to become practical did you know most plastic coat hangers made before 1990 were all made in East Germany there are some things that we don't notice unwear things actually come from as East Germany rarely imported certain things into their country for their people however for government officials had their own hospitals and Western doctors and medical staff as their medical system was Impractical there are two sides to Communism slavery and the government who hides in a total different way and uses those people as the slave owner this is where communism is the hidden devil.
5:15 or thereabouts you say you couldn't tell the clothes (or "cloves") were East German, and could just as well be West German. I was born in 1970 and spent my childhood looking at West German catalogues, and let me tell you this: At the time, nobody in the West, and probably not many in the East, would have had doubts that these were pictures from the East, for the East. It's not unlikely that some very similar garments made in the East would have gone on sale in Western catalogues as well. However, the catalogue photos would have been different. The difference seems even more pronounced in the men's and children's departments. Also the materials in a West German catalogue would not have been advertised as "Dederon", "Wolpryla" or other specifically East German synthetic material brands. And the sizes for women's clothing seem to be totally different from the system used in West Germany (until today).
Our couches have real leather on the front where people sit, and fake leather on the places less prone to wear. Not a totally forgotten concept. Clock w/ alcohol and shots ==> Time to drink, obviously. Interesting video.
For someone who grew up in the 1970s (and in a Communist sympathising household) that was quite fascinating. Although it did look like someone had been cutting pictures out of the ladies underwear section?????
I believe the lady who gave me this catalogue who is now in here 70s was in her mid 20s back then and actually bought that underwear and some night gowns.
"All these people who are smiling and cheery and happy". It's all just propaganda. Yeah, in America, catalogs typically have depressed and sad people in catalogs. But our catalogs aren't propaganda?
@@MaxMakerChannel Well, "marketing" is pretty obviously a synonym of propaganda. I find it interesting how right wingers are quick to point out that Hitler's Nationalist Socialist Party means that the use of the word, "socialist" means that all socialists are Nazis. However, none of them say that all "nationalists" are Nazis. But of course the word "nationalist" is present as well. As for marketing events. Don't American commercials and marketing "sell", the 4th of July as a propaganda event? Though retailers certainly market BBQ grills and American flags for the 4th of July. I've never seen them glorify black slavery or the genocide of native Americans on the 4th of July. However, according to Edward Snowden's revelations, the National Security Agency and the CIA are listening and snooping in on our communications. Admittedly, The East German security apparatus was far cruder than the American security apparatus. But, the difference seems to me, to be a matter of degree or sophistication rather than function. Of course, anarchists are quick to point out this commonality, that all states would seem to share. Oy vey, we're probably screwed by all sides. As the Sex Pistols sang, "I'm looking over the wall and they're looking back at me". But at any rate, thanks for the video. It's quite interesting.
I loved your channel ... up to this point. I mean your views are yours and we dont have to think the same way. Although there was so much anti-socialism propaganda by your side that is just sad....
What we had in East Germany was cruel and inhumane. I will always speak out against that injustice. People were jailed for their political views or even shot for trying to escape. That was the real world socialism.
@@MaxMakerChannelmore people have died crossing the Mexican-American border than the East German border. I guess by your logic that makes the US an inhumane regime?
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Regarding the quality - in general, the quality of DDR products was actually quite good. Especially the white goods. Everything needed to last for as long as possible, because replacement would cost more expensive materials than having it last forever.
It is true that eventually in the 80s there were huge problems with materials, which lead to lower quality of Trabant exhaust mufflers for instance. But plastic was relatively inexpensive, even there.
I still have my watch from that catalog, lol 😂and….it still runs perfectly
This was a treat; I felt like a time traveler. Thank you so much for sharing!
That was fascinating, especially as I remember what we were hearing about life “behind the iron curtain” at the time. Thanks!
Thanks for watching! I knew it isn’t mainstream content, but some few would enjoy it.
East Germany was a state in western Europe. The had the same influences like any other western state. I don't think they copied westgermany as much as west Germany copied any other state in the western hemisphere. They were still Germans in the DDR, not soviets.
Orange colour for tents were very popular in 60´s.My parents bought a tent in then Czeckoslovakia.
I'm from Bosnia and yes, we also have that cutlery set.
Macedonian here, still have it and use it daily :D
Shopped there a few times in the 1980s when I was in the USAir Force assigned to Tempelhof. Pretty good selection, was more interested in buying optical equipment, like cameras, lenses, etc.
"If you don't know what a cup is for, then you don't know much, do you?" lol
My flat in chemnitz had the portable shower in the kitchen 😂
15:52 I had this one in Poland. In my family we used it mostly for toast. Quite fun, the heating coil was right under a thin sheet of mild steel ^_^J
Star bases on western chairs often had four spokes too, even into the 90s. However, five and six spokes were more stable and less likely to tip.
Please do another one of these reviews. Super fun.
Glad you enjoyed it! I think this was a one off.
Das war einfach genial einen RG 25 sowie es original im Verkauf war zu sehen. Ich habe noch so 'was und es läuft perfekt. Am meistens benutze ich es für's Kaffee-mahlen, dazu den Mix-Aufsatz für Bananen-Milkshakes und den Mixer für Kuchen und Britische 'Puddings'.
Ich schreibe Blogs über die weibliche Pop-Musik im ehemaligen Ostblock ('Girls Of The Golden East' und 'Bananas For Breakfast') und in einem Beitrag bei 'Girls Of The Golden East' unter den Titel 'On location with the GOTGE' (30. Juli 2016) habe ich Auszüge aus dem Tschechoslovakischen Film 'Kvočny a Král' ('Die Hühner und der König') (1974) worin eine junge Frau so ein bauchfreies Oberteil, wie im Katalog stand, trägt.
Ich würde anders über den Hi-Fi und Kofferradios wie Sie es beschreiben sagen. Für meinen zwölften Geburtstag in 1973 bekam ich ein schönes ITT-KB Tiny Super Kofferradio und es sah genau wie das Dritte von ganz oben an der linken Kante der Seite mit 'FDJ' aus, die ich selbst überhaupt nicht als 'altmodisch' beschreiben würde. Die westliche Beispiele, die Sie benutzen, sowie ich es halte, sind 'Stil-Ikone', die für alltägliche Kunden auch im Westen ganz unerforderlich sein würden.
How many of those products were actually available? How long was the wait?
Westerners who had to exchange 25 West marks in East Berlin found spending that much difficult because there was nothing to buy.
Since the products were not made according to demand there were always sold out items. Either because there were not enough made in general or because they were too popular.
I am sure we had some things presented in this catalogue in Finland in the early 70s. I remember we had the orange "Zwiebelschneider" that I am sure was not West German. Its "cardboard" box was very flimsy and the colours and print did not look very attractive, sort of faded, matt and "old". Also, the model of the low back armchair (red) looks familiar but I guess it was pretty international. We had ones in burgundy, sort of checkered "fake leather" kind of material that did not even try to imitate leather. It was totally plasticky but seemed to be very durable.
Great Video! I love the Simsons Mopeds!❤️
16:02 "We absolutely need this for Socialism to survive" LAMOOOOOOOOOOO
Hello from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I grew up in 1987 until 1988. I was living in Berlin with my mother. However, we moved back to Canada for a little while and then moved back in the 90s for a couple of more years. I have noticed that many East German products were sold in Canada in certain department stores. Many products were marked made in Germany. This meant they came from East Germany. Most products that were made in West Germany were stamped with this icon. However, the East Germans were kind of sneaky about selling their products to other countries. Canada was the biggest buyer of East German goods. Many things, like carpeting, clothing, toys, and kitchen items like coffee cups and dishes, were all made in Germany. Most of these items were cheap to buy and undercut. After the wall came down, there was a product shortage in 1990 until 1992. Now we have everything made in China, and there is a reason everyone wants a good deal. Before the '1990s, East Germany supplied 49% of the planet with their items. 90% of the products made in East Germany were sold to other countries. West Germany couldn't control where they would sell their goods; however, West Germany put certain embargoes on East German goods sold in West Germany. The Americans also halted certain items, but East Germany had products that no one else had; some of them were used for aluminium manufacturing, and the only place they could mine certain chemicals was in East Germany. Certain items were difficult for someone in East Germany to buy as most of their products would be sold out of country. This is where most of the East German politicians became very rich and stored their money outside the country. Even politicians like Angela Merkel made millions of dollars before the wall ever came down. This is why a lot of East German politicians became German politicians when the wall came down as they bought places in the German government. You can say it's grease money, and corruption is in every country, but most Germans don't believe in certain things like this. but not every product was sold in other countries as that product would be inferior that means the product would be complete garbage and not usable for anyone outside of East Germany to become practical did you know most plastic coat hangers made before 1990 were all made in East Germany there are some things that we don't notice unwear things actually come from as East Germany rarely imported certain things into their country for their people however for government officials had their own hospitals and Western doctors and medical staff as their medical system was Impractical there are two sides to Communism slavery and the government who hides in a total different way and uses those people as the slave owner this is where communism is the hidden devil.
Awesome video. Thanks for the experience
Glad you enjoyed it!
5:15 or thereabouts you say you couldn't tell the clothes (or "cloves") were East German, and could just as well be West German. I was born in 1970 and spent my childhood looking at West German catalogues, and let me tell you this: At the time, nobody in the West, and probably not many in the East, would have had doubts that these were pictures from the East, for the East.
It's not unlikely that some very similar garments made in the East would have gone on sale in Western catalogues as well. However, the catalogue photos would have been different. The difference seems even more pronounced in the men's and children's departments.
Also the materials in a West German catalogue would not have been advertised as "Dederon", "Wolpryla" or other specifically East German synthetic material brands. And the sizes for women's clothing seem to be totally different from the system used in West Germany (until today).
Our couches have real leather on the front where people sit, and fake leather on the places less prone to wear. Not a totally forgotten concept.
Clock w/ alcohol and shots ==> Time to drink, obviously.
Interesting video.
Haha. I just wear a full body leather suit.
@@MaxMakerChannel I assumed that's what all Germans wear when out and about. Wasn't sure why they'd need a leather couch too. What capitalist excess!
There was a another east German company called 'Konsum'
What's Leslie Knope doing on page 23?!
For someone who grew up in the 1970s (and in a Communist sympathising household) that was quite fascinating.
Although it did look like someone had been cutting pictures out of the ladies underwear section?????
I believe the lady who gave me this catalogue who is now in here 70s was in her mid 20s back then and actually bought that underwear and some night gowns.
This was really interesting
11:24 Check out this: ruclips.net/video/9Bk9VjS_R10/видео.html
12:27 Looks like LEGO minifig heads, only taller.
I just love it, some of that stuff is so tacky its not true, thanks for showing. The shot glass clock should be in every museum of communism.
Glad that you liked it! This video wasn’t very popular, so its good to know it was of value anyway.
"All these people who are smiling and cheery and happy". It's all just propaganda. Yeah, in America, catalogs typically have depressed and sad people in catalogs. But our catalogs aren't propaganda?
You have a point, marketing is not very honest, but here the marketing was not just to sell the products, but also the propaganda event that year.
@@MaxMakerChannel Well, "marketing" is pretty obviously a synonym of propaganda. I find it interesting how right wingers are quick to point out that Hitler's Nationalist Socialist Party means that the use of the word, "socialist" means that all socialists are Nazis. However, none of them say that all "nationalists" are Nazis. But of course the word "nationalist" is present as well. As for marketing events. Don't American commercials and marketing "sell", the 4th of July as a propaganda event? Though retailers certainly market BBQ grills and American flags for the 4th of July. I've never seen them glorify black slavery or the genocide of native Americans on the 4th of July.
However, according to Edward Snowden's revelations, the National Security Agency and the CIA are listening and snooping in on our communications. Admittedly, The East German security apparatus was far cruder than the American security apparatus. But, the difference seems to me, to be a matter of degree or sophistication rather than function. Of course, anarchists are quick to point out this commonality, that all states would seem to share. Oy vey, we're probably screwed by all sides. As the Sex Pistols sang, "I'm looking over the wall and they're looking back at me". But at any rate, thanks for the video. It's quite interesting.
Like your voice !
You have a nice voice.
It’s appears no more propaganda than any other catalog
I loved your channel ... up to this point. I mean your views are yours and we dont have to think the same way. Although there was so much anti-socialism propaganda by your side that is just sad....
What we had in East Germany was cruel and inhumane. I will always speak out against that injustice. People were jailed for their political views or even shot for trying to escape. That was the real world socialism.
@@MaxMakerChannelmore people have died crossing the Mexican-American border than the East German border. I guess by your logic that makes the US an inhumane regime?
Perhaps, but they are not shot attempting to escape along the US border.@kollo3457
What do West Germans use bats for? Is baseball popular there?
Nope.
@@MaxMakerChannel Hmm.
Yo Max how have you been? Feeling better? Check your IG
Yes thanks for asking! Walking gets better every day. Will be back in the workshop in two weeks.
That was actually very interesting. I'm glad you're feeling better