Civics (Staatsbürgerkunde) was a school subject in the GDR. It was introduced in 1957 and replaced the subject of contemporary studies (Gegenwartskunde), which had been taught until 1950. Curricula included the teaching of Marxist-Leninist ideology, political economy, scientific socialism, the structure of the state and the rights and duties of GDR citizens. The subject was initially taught in grades 9 to 12, and from 1969 onwards from grade 7 of the polytechnical secondary school (Polytechnische Oberschule, POS), each with one hour per week (Grammes, 2006, pp. 51-69).

Civics was considered an important means of political education in the GDR’s education system. The subject focused on developing class consciousness and commitment to the workers’ and farmers’ state (Arbeiter- und Bauernstaat) of the GDR. The lessons were closely linked to the children's and youth organisations integrated into the schools (the Young Pioneers, Junge Pioniere and Free German Youth, Freie Deutsche Jugend, FDJ).