Phantom Borders: The enduring influence of division in East and West Germany

From Division to Unity: The Symbolic Role of Germany’s Border “Die Mauer”

Above all, the symbolic power of borders remains significant and is primarily tied to questions of identity and ideology rather than sovereignty (Laine, 2021). While the German border was established earlier, the physical border called “Die Mauer” was constructed in 1961 as a last resort to prevent the mass movement of East German citizens. In this year a structure was created that symbolised Germany’s division for over 28 years (Chronik der Mauer, 2024). Alongside the famous Berlin Wall, the inner-German border stretched nearly 1,400 kilometers, physically separating East and West Germany (Das Bundesarchiv, 2025; Freie Universität Berlin, 2017).

The German border became the central front of the Cold War, symbolising the global division “Iron Curtain” between East and West. It represented the ideological battle between socialism and democracy (National Museum of the United States Airforce, 2025). It shows that its originally physical function was inherently symbolic, its image was charged with meaning and ideology from both of the opposing systems. These depictions were never neutral but were deeply tied to the political narratives of their time.

After its fall, the wall evolved from a symbol of division into a symbol of peace, reunification of the people, and the win of democracy. Today, it serves as a reminder of the power to overcome oppression. What was once a divisive symbol of the Cold War has transformed into a symbol of hope. The remaining parts of the Berlin Wall today stand as an educational and art symbol for understanding history, particularly for those who did not experience the division by themselves (Defrance, 2020). It teaches what once was and what must never happen again.

Identity-Forming Significance: The
“better Westerner” and the “complaining Easterner”

Walls have always served as divisive forces, creating barriers that separate societies and foster them versus us dynamics (Newmann, 2006:147). In the case of East and West Germany, the two German states coexisted in opposition in which unavoidably stereotypes and prejudices grew. Both sides framed their identities by distancing themselves from the other. West Germans (“Wessis”) were often seen as arrogant and materialistic, while East Germans (“Ossis”) were labelled as backward, overly dependent and ungrateful. The “better Wessi” and the “complaining Ossi” became caricatures, highlighting the cultural misunderstandings that lasted even after reunification (Ahbe, 2005:31).

Furthermore, East and West Germany followed distinct cultural and societal paths, leaving a lasting impact on identity. In the GDR, culture was centrally controlled, designed to promote socialism and collective values. Activities were tied to workplaces by emphasising the collective good. East German identity therefore became rooted in collective practices and community-focused cultural life. In contrast, the FRG embraced individualism, diversity and consumer-driven culture (Hoffmann, 2024). Reunification in 1990 brought East Germans into this framework, first facing enthusiasm for Western consumer culture. However, the closure of GDR cultural institutions led to feelings of disconnection. Many East Germans struggled to integrate, sparking “Ostalgie” (Nostalgia for the East) as they tried to preserve elements of their former identity. The challenge of reconciling these experiences continues to shape Germany’s collective identity (Ahbe, 2005:26-28). This identity has been strongly influenced by the experiences on both sides, which were not only inherited by those who lived through the division but also passed down through generations. Over time, these identities became deeply embedded in family histories and personal perspectives, which was forming a lasting distinction.

Today – The Case of Phantom Borders

Phantom borders refer to historical territorial boundaries that, while no longer officially recognised or institutionalised, continue to influence social, cultural and political landscapes. Unlike traditional borders, phantom borders do not regulate movement and don’t serve formal functions. Instead, they symbolise discontinuity and are perpetuated through collective memory, social practices and historical narratives. They can be visible in regional disparities, such as economic divides, voting behaviour, ideological differences or identity (Von Hirschhausen, 2020:1). Therefore, they are often referred to as “scars of history” because their impact lingers in contemporary societies, much like phantom pain after the loss of a limb (Kolosov, 2020:2). They highlight how past political divisions continue to shape todays societies and identities, offering a lens to examine East and West Germany today.