Vietnamese Migration to Germany: Stories of New Life
bridging generations: The Vietnamese Diaspora in Germany Confronts a divided Past
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The story of Vietnamese refugees and contract workers in Germany is a complex one, marked by Cold War politics, regional divisions within Vietnam, and the enduring quest for a better life. Today, a new generation is grappling with this history, seeking reconciliation and a stronger sense of identity within German society. This article explores the experiences of those who arrived in the late 20th century, and how their children are navigating a legacy of separation and resilience.
A History of Two Streams: Refugees and contract Workers
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Germany became a haven for Vietnamese seeking refuge from the aftermath of the Vietnam War and the subsequent political upheaval. Two distinct pathways brought them to German soil. An estimated 35,000 refugees arrived in West germany in 1979, fleeing persecution and economic hardship. Concurrently, approximately 70,000 Vietnamese citizens arrived in East Germany (GDR) as vertragsarbeiter – contract workers.
These two groups experienced vastly different realities. The GDR offered employment, primarily in industrial sectors, but with limited freedoms and under the watchful eye of the socialist state. West Germany, while offering political asylum, presented the challenges of integration into a capitalist society. This initial division laid the groundwork for lingering complexities within the Vietnamese-German community.
“In the GDR, people were proud to show international solidarity, and this went hand in hand with hatred of the capitalist West, while the West German government saw the Vietnam War as part of the global struggle against communism,” explains Andreas Margara, a German historian specializing in the Vietnamese diaspora. This ideological backdrop shaped perceptions and experiences on both sides of the Iron Curtain.
The Weight of the Past: Generational Perspectives
The reunification of Germany in 1990 physically brought these two communities together, but the emotional and psychological distance remained. For the first generation, the memories of Vietnam – of war, loss, and challenging choices – are ever-present.
Ha, a 53-year-old postdoctoral researcher at the University of Tubingen with a PhD in cultural studies, embodies this experience.He arrived in Germany as a young boy, following his sister who had come earlier. ”There’s an intellectual and cultural discussion going on through which we are trying to make sense of this history and what this history means for us living in the German-Vietnamese diaspora,” he says. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the past to strengthen their position within German society. “Knowing more about this history will improve our sense of self…because we are able to discover more about a past that we, the younger generations, didn’t experience on a personal level. This allows us to connect the past with the present.”
However, the division within Vietnam itself – between North and South – continues to resonate within the diaspora. Ly, Ha’s 26-year-old daughter, observes subtle distinctions even today. “They do not become stressed nor do they act differently, but they notice the accent verbally, like ‘Oh, this person is from the south’,” she explains, referring to relatives’ reactions to hearing a southern Vietnamese accent. “I can feel a certain differentiation there because there is this history there.” Ly points to a lack of spaces for intergenerational dialog, notably for war veterans, to share experiences and foster understanding.
Building a Future: Dialogue and Reconciliation
Despite these challenges, a new generation is actively working to bridge the gaps. Ly, an art historian living in the vibrant Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood of Berlin, sees opportunities for reconciliation. Prenzlauer Berg, once part of East Berlin, is now a diverse and cosmopolitan area, reflecting the changing face of Germany. “Unified Germany, though, can be a space for more reconciliation,” she believes.She highlights the increasing opportunities for dialogue,citing a recent encounter with a Vietnamese-German art history student.
Mai, another member of the diaspora, echoes this sentiment. “Even though Vietnam has been damaged a lot, we are all Vietnamese and came to Germany to build a better life for ourselves,” she states, emphasizing a shared sense of purpose.
The story of the Vietnamese diaspora in Germany is a testament to resilience,adaptation,and the enduring power of family. As the first generation ages and the second generation takes on leadership roles, the focus is shifting towards healing old wounds, fostering dialogue, and building a stronger, more unified community. The ongoing exploration of their shared history is not just about remembering the past,but about shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for Vietnamese-Germans in the 21st century.