Survival in Auschwitz Terms

Short for Arbeitslager, which is German for “labor camp,” Lager is the name the Jewish prisoners in the book most often use to describe Auschwitz. More than simply describing the physical location, the term… read analysis of Lager

A Kapo is a prisoner who has been placed in a position of authority over other prisoners, most often as the leader of a Kommando. Kapos may be Jewish or non-Jewish prisoners, but in… read analysis of Kapo

German for “unit,” a Kommando is a working group of slaves who labor for the Lager, led by a Kapo. Most Kommandos have 100 to 200 men in them, but the chemical Kommando only… read analysis of Kommando

German for “prisoner,” Häftling and the plural Häftlinge refer primarily to Jewish prisoners, though occasionally refer to non-Jewish prisoners as well. The name Häftling not only declares one’s imprisonment in the Lager, however, but… read analysis of Häftling