Free University of Berlin

Description

Guiding Principles and History of Freie Universität
Die Begriffe Wahrheit, Gerechtigkeit und Freiheit prägen das Selbstverständnis der Freien Universität
The principles of truth, justice, and freedom shape the identity of Freie Universität Berlin.
Image Credit: Thiago Menezes

Freedom as a Founding Impulse
Freie Universität Berlin was founded in 1948 by professors and students, in response to the persecution faced by students who took a critical eye of the system at Universität Unter den Linden, at that time located in the Soviet sector of the divided city. The idea of founding a free university found widespread support in the international community, including financial support. This outpouring of aid helped pave the way for Freie Universität to become a university with an outstanding international reputation. The principles of freedom and internationality have guided the university’s development ever since. Since the university’s founding, in December of 1948, the academic ethos of Freie Universität Berlin has always been defined by three values: truth, justice, and freedom.