German Empire as a Monarchy:

*“This Confederation shall be called the ‘German Empire’ and shall have the following characteristics.”* (Imperial Constitution, 1871)

German Empire as a Republic:

*“Article 1*

*The German Empire is a republic. State power emanates from the people.”* (Imperial Constitution, 1919)

*“Article 1*

*Imperial laws may be enacted not only by the procedures stipulated in the Imperial Constitution, but also by the Imperial Government.”* (Amendment to the Imperial Constitution, 1933)

Official Name of the Nazi State

It is currently a widespread belief that the German state during the NSDAP and Hitler's rule was called the “Third Reich.” This is not true. The term “Third Reich” is a later historiographical term created by academia to better periodize the different historical stages of Germany. Legally, a state called the “Third Reich” never existed.

During the NSDAP and Hitler's rule, Germany was called the "German Empire," and this is reflected in all state documents of that era. However, this "German Empire," with its republican characteristics, should not be confused with the "German Empire" of 1871 or the "German Empire" of 1849, as they had distinct features.

What was the official name of Germany under Hitler and the NSDAP?