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Female soldier for the first time: Friederike Krüger is now in Munster's barracks!
On April 30, 2025, the barracks in Munster were named after Corporal Friederike Krüger, the first female soldier to give its name.
Female soldier for the first time: Friederike Krüger is now in Munster's barracks!
In a notable step towards gender equality in the Bundeswehr, the barracks in Munster im Heidekreis were officially renamed “Unter Officer Friederike Krüger Kaserne”. This marks a historic moment because for the first time a barracks bears the name of a female soldier. The renaming process, which took several years, was approved by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on April 30, 2025, after collecting more than 70 suggestions, such as NDR reports.
The renaming of the former “Hindenburg Barracks” is a reflection of a comprehensive change in the way military history and gender roles are viewed. Previously, the barracks bore the controversial name of Paul von Hindenburg, whose stance on democracy and his role in the Nazis' rise to power came under close scrutiny. A report by the Bundeswehr's Center for Military History and Social Sciences found that Hindenburg's legacy needed to be reassessed, which ultimately led to the decision to reject his name and give Krüger a fitting honor.
The story of Friederike Krüger
Friederike Krüger, born in 1789, volunteered for the military in 1813, as a woman among the then exclusively male soldiers. She joined the Prussian army in men's clothing and was henceforth known as August Lübeck. Her story is not only marked by courage, but also by a remarkable achievement: against all odds, she fought at the front and was ultimately awarded the Iron Cross, Second Class for her efforts after her gender came to light and she was appointed a non-commissioned officer.
Krüger's case is still important today and is treated in various contexts, such as research on the military and gender order. Karen Hagemann's anthology provides an overview of these topics and shows how images of women and gender relations in the military have developed over the years, as well as comprehensively in the German digital library documented.
A step into the future
The renaming to the “Unter Officer Friederike Krüger Kaserne” is a strong sign that the Bundeswehr is actively dealing with its history and the associated gender roles. It shows that today women can also receive recognition for their service and courage in the military. This decision is not only welcomed by current members of the Bundeswehr, but is also an encouraging signal for future generations of soldiers.
It remains to be seen how this new name will affect the self-image within the Bundeswehr. But it is already certain that the change in the perception of military history and gender equality is definitely having a positive impact. Soon the barracks will officially shine in its new splendor and will be a tribute to a remarkable woman.
Although the website of Tagesschau is not available, the influence of this name change remains noticeable. It shows that appreciation for the achievements of women in military history takes time, but continues to grow.