The “Vorkosterinnen,” or food tasters, were a group of women employed by Adolf Hitler during World War II to test his food for poison. The practice highlights Hitler’s intense paranoia and fear of assassination, reflecting the increasingly unstable climate surrounding him and the Nazi regime. These women, mostly young and often local to East Prussia, were compelled to taste every meal before it was served to Hitler. Their task was fraught with danger. Not only did they face the potential of being poisoned themselves, but the psychological strain of wondering if each bite would be their last was immense. The selection process remains somewhat shrouded in mystery, but it is believed that loyalty to the Nazi party and a perceived lack of “undesirable” traits were key criteria. Margot Wölk was one of the few *Vorkosterinnen* to survive the war and later recount her experiences. Her testimony paints a vivid picture of the fear and uncertainty that permeated their lives. The food, often brought from afar, would be presented to them at a military barrack near Hitler’s “Wolf’s Lair” headquarters. They would then consume a portion, waiting an hour to ensure no ill effects arose before the meal was deemed safe for Hitler. The work was monotonous and terrifying. Every bite was taken with trepidation, knowing that a lethal substance could be present. The *Vorkosterinnen* lived in constant anticipation of death. Beyond the immediate danger of poisoning, they also faced the threat of Allied bombing raids and the advancing Soviet army. The psychological toll was significant. Wölk described how she and her fellow food tasters often wept after each meal, overwhelmed by relief that they had survived. They lived in a state of constant anxiety, knowing their lives were entirely dependent on the absence of poison in Hitler’s food. The role of the *Vorkosterinnen* raises complex ethical questions. While they were victims of the Nazi regime, forced into a position of extreme risk against their will, their work indirectly supported Hitler’s continued reign. This nuanced perspective highlights the moral ambiguities inherent in life under oppressive regimes. The practice ceased as the war drew to a close and Hitler retreated further into his bunker in Berlin. The *Vorkosterinnen* scattered, attempting to rebuild their lives after enduring years of unimaginable stress and fear. The story of the *Vorkosterinnen* serves as a chilling reminder of Hitler’s paranoia and the brutal reality of life under Nazi rule. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a stark portrayal of the lengths to which a dictator will go to protect himself, even at the expense of innocent lives. Their existence sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of World War II, offering a glimpse into the fear and uncertainty that permeated the inner circle of the Nazi regime.
640×555 die vordenkerinnen von morgen netidee from www.netidee.at 
400×272 cvmc image gallery twee vorstinnen en een vorst from www.cvmc.net