German National Prize for Art and Science

Pendant of the German National Prize for Art and Science

The German National Prize for Art and Science (German: Deutscher Nationalpreis für Kunst und Wissenschaft) was an award created by Adolf Hitler in 1937 as a replacement for the Nobel Prize (he had forbidden Germans to accept the latter award in 1936 after an anti-Nazi German writer, Carl von Ossietzky, was awarded the 1935 Nobel Peace Prize). The award was designed by Müller-Erfurt and created in the form of a pendant studded with diamonds. In fact, it was so heavy that a special mount had to be created so that it would stay on the wearer's jacket. An extremely ornate presentation box contained the pendant and a wide red and white sash also complemented the award.

There was an image of a Greek hoplite on the obverse of the prize medal and the lettering: FÜR KUNST UND WISSENSCHAFT (For art and science) was emblazoned on the medal as well. In addition to the medal and award sash, a cash prize of 100,000 Reichsmark was also given.

The total number of National Prizes awarded between 1937 and 1939 was nine, thus making this award one of the rarest awards given in the Third Reich, even rarer than the German Order.

Awardees

The German National Prize was awarded to a total of nine people.

1937

The award announcement was held on September, 7 1937 and the award ceremony took place on January 30, 1938 by Adolf Hitler in the Reich Chancellery The first five winners were:

• Architect Paul Ludwig Troost (posthumously)
• Reich Leader Alfred Rosenberg
• Explorer Wilhelm Filchner
• Surgeons August Bier and Ferdinand Sauerbruch(shared award)

1938

The award announcement was made ​​on 6 September 1938, the surrender on 30 January 1939 by Adolf Hitler in the Chancellery. The winners of this second year were:

• General Inspector of the German roads and head of the military construction Organisation Todt Fritz Todt
• The Engineer Ferdinand Porsche
• the aircraft designers Willy Messerschmitt and Ernst Heinkel (shared award).

See also

• International Lenin Peace Prize
• Confucius Peace Prize

References

• Jörg Nimmergut: Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen bis 1945. Band 4: Württemberg II – Deutsches Reich. Zentralstelle für Wissenschaftliche Ordenskunde, München 2001, ISBN 3-00-001396-2; S. 1910–1917.