What Does the Sign at Auschwitz Say
The main entrance sign at Auschwitz I reads "Arbeit macht frei," which translates to "Work sets you free." The sign was placed by the SS above the gate when the camp was established.
History of the Arbeit Macht Frei Sign
The sign was installed in 1940 at the Auschwitz I concentration camp in occupied Poland. Prisoners were forced to pass under it upon entering the camp. After the war, the original sign was stolen in 2009 and later recovered, then replaced with a replica for protection.
Why the Sign Matters Today
The phrase "Arbeit macht frei" is now widely recognized as a symbol of Nazi deception and the Holocaust. Historians explain that the slogan was a cruel lie used to deceive prisoners about the true purpose of the camp. The site is preserved as a memorial and museum to honor victims.
For more background on the Auschwitz camp system and its historical context, see the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum at https://www.ushmm.org.
