# GDR

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gdr
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

Stands for German Democratic Republic. The name of the country that existed in East Germany from 1949 until 1990.

For teachers: Abbreviation for German Democratic Republic. The official name of the socialist state established in East Germany following World War II and existing until its reunification with West Germany in 1990.

## Examples

- The GDR was a socialist state in East Germany.
- Many people in the GDR lived under a strict government system that controlled nearly every aspect of daily life.
- The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked the beginning of the end for the GDR, leading to a rapid political transition that culminated in the country's formal dissolution the following year.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.
