These files are copies of biographical records of the Berlin Document Center's (BDC) Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (National Socialist German Labor Party (NSDAP)) materials and constitute the BDC's principal sources concerning membership and activities of the NSDAP.
The NSDAP membership records, sometimes collectively known as the "Master File," consist of central and special registries and card indexes.
Within the “Master File” included are Anträge, Ortsgruppenkartei, Zentralkartei, Party Census (Berlin), Warnkartei, NSDAP Schwarze Listen, and Mitglieder-Sammelstelle der NSDAP.
These files record essential biographical and Party membership data for each individual.
The Anträge (applications) comprise completed application forms for membership in the Party. The preparation and submission of these forms marked the first step in entry into the Nazi Party. Most of the applications date from the 1936-37 period, before the reopening of membership to the general public in 1939.
In addition to a form statement of membership qualifications and obligations, each application includes the name, occupation, date and place of birth, current address, pertinent Gau and Ortsgruppe identifications, and personal signature of the applicant.