The Historical Dictionary of Contemporary Germany is designed as a reference work on the main historical, cultural, and social developments of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), also with some coverage of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). It covers the period from the Grand Coalition (1966-69) to the present day. (West) Germany has remained remarkably stable since the foundation of the FRG in 1949 and has become something of a model state in many respects: it is widely admired for the "social partnership" between industry and government that has promoted economic success alongside democratic structures, for its role of quiet leadership within Europe, and for its pioneering measures to improve and sustain the environment. The third largest country in Europe, as well as the most populous, Germany is regarded as a cornerstone of the expanding European Union (EU), a reliable partner in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and a democracy in which civil and human rights are respected. The Historical Dictionary of Contemporary Germany details the many changes that have occurred in the country since the end of World War II and the collapse of the Nazi regime in 1945.
This is done through a detailed chronology, an introduction, appendixes, a bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on some of the more significant persons, places, events, institutions, and organizations, as well as the political, economic, social, cultural, and religious facets.