Kulturbund (Yugoslavia)


Swabian-German Cultural Association or just Kulturbund was an organization of the Germans in Kingdom of Yugoslavia that assisted to German occupational authorities and propagated German national-socialism during the Second World War.
Founded in June 1920 in Novi Sad, it was originally conceived as a non-political organization operating in the whole of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, and aimed at preserving and developing German culture and language. Toward the end of 1930s, Kulturbund came under control of younger pro-nazi elements, led by Sepp Janko.
During April war Kulturbund acted as fifth column. After Yugoslavian defeat, Kulturbund became base of Volksdeutsche who, in large numbers, put themselves in Third Reich service.

Literature