German History in Documents and Images (GHDI) is an online collection of primary-source materials documenting various aspects of German history from the Early Modern period to the present. The project consists of ten chronologically ordered volumes, each of which features a large selection of carefully chosen texts and images, as well as maps and audiovisual sources in some cases. Each volume also includes an introduction to the featured period as well as other commentaries. The website is completely bilingual (English/German). Designed to serve broad audiences, GHDI aims to promote new approaches to research, academic teaching, and learning in the fields of German, European, and transnational history.

Volumes and Sources

Each of the project’s ten volumes has been edited by a leading expert (or team thereof) and includes:

All source materials are fully cited, enriched with metadata, and connected via keywords and/or internal hyperlinks.

Digital Platform and Design

GHDI features a responsive, user-friendly interface designed by edelweiss* büro für grafik und design (Hamburg). The backend is based on the integration of eXist-db, an open-source XML-database, with CollectiveAccess, an open-source collection management system. A Solr search engine offers optimal search and navigational functionality. The source code is published on GitHub under a free license. Standardized administrative, descriptive and technical metadata, including granular source and rights information, enhances discoverability and supports long-term digital stewardship. The use of standard format such as TEI P5 (for primary-source texts and translations) and DOI (persistent identifications) further supports access and digital preservation.