"An outstanding result of revolutionary changes in shaping the developed socialist society in the GDR is the formation and education of new, socialist generations of youth. The liberation of youth from the ideological legacy of fascism, from nationalism and chauvinism, and their education in the spirit of socialism and friendship among peoples are among the great historical achievements of the working class, liberated from exploitation, and the other working classes and strata of our country," wrote the authors of the 1988 book "Social structure of the GDR" (p. 329).

According to the GDR's youth law (Jugendgesetz), "[in the German Democratic Republic,] the fundamental goals and interests of society, state, and youth are convergent. Led by the German socialist unity party, the working class, all other working people, and youth have created the state of workers and peasants. Together, they are shaping the German Democratic Republic, their socialist fatherland" (Preamble to the GDR's youth law of 1974).

Belonging to the youth, despite all its social differentiation (Autorenkollektiv, 1988, p. 339), meant being part of the "state youth" (Staatsjugend, Werner, 2018, p. 83). In a narrower sense, youth included the generation of adolescents between the ages of 14 and 25 (Autorenkollektiv, 1988, pp. 331, 328). Most joined the Free German Youth (Freie Deutsche Jugend, FDJ), where they were to be trained as "the party's fighting reserve" (Ohse, 2009, p. 76). Everyday youth work was closely linked to school. It was about the "constant, all-round support and comprehensive inclusion [of youth as a whole] in the further shaping of the developed socialist society." Young people were considered "active participants in shaping the developed socialist society" (Autorenkollektiv, 1988, pp. 329, 336).

Parallel to the state youth desired by the German socialist unity party (Sozialistische Einheitspartei Deutschlands, SED), there were various youth cultural movements within the GDR at all times (not necessarily excluding identity as state youth): in the 1950s, the scene of the Halbstarke (verbatim: half-strongs) and Jazzers; in the 1960s, the beat and rock 'n' roll movement as well as a continued Halbstarke movement (Mey 2018, p. 9); in the 1960s and 1970s, the Kunden (verbatim: customers), Typen (verbatim: guys), Gammler (verbatim: slackers), Rockers, and Blues-Fans (Werner 2018, p. 86f.); in the 1980s, the Punker (verbatim: punks), Heavy Metallers, Poppers, Rockers, Grufties (derived from the German word for tomb, similar to goths), Wavers, Skinheads, and HipHoppers (Bundesstiftung für Aufarbeitung, 2024). Scene affiliation in the GDR was fluid – often equivalent to West German movements. It was about young people searching for identity, nonconformism, going out and partying, meeting like-minded people and listening to music, but potentially also about standing out in public with their appearance. However, only a few young people displayed behaviour that was opposed to the system, as the risk of being punished or even imprisoned was too great (Werner, 2018, p. 85ff.). Youth (culture) was reflected in state policy, and the aforementioned scenes were frequently monitored by the state security service (Staatssicherheit). Time and again, young people rejected SED policies and FDJ activities. At various points in time, the government adjusted its approach to young people. In 1961, for example, the SED established a youth communiqué to address the interests and needs of young people. The world festival of youth and students (Weltfestspiele der Jugend und Studenten) was held at irregular intervals, the radio station DT64 was founded in 1964, and the Germany youth meeting (Deutschlandtreffen der Jugend) was organised. Starting in the 1980s, the FDJ organised various concerts featuring pop and rock stars from West Germany, Great Britain, and the United States (see Skyba, 2022). The aim was always to win young people over to the state, to offer them age-appropriate activities, but also to keep them in check.