The Swingjugend was a group of young jazz and swing enthusiasts in Germany in the 1930s, mainly in Hamburg (in the Sankt Pauli district) and Berlin. They consisted mainly of 14- to 18-year-old students. They sought a British and American lifestyle and were especially accustomed to the music from those countries, contrary to national socialist teachings. The Swingjugend set off against militarism and especially against the Hitlerjugend, the youth organization of the national socialists.
During the Nazi regime (1933-1945), German youth were encouraged to join the Hitlerjugend. This organization encouraged young people to learn folk dances and listen to German music, rather than to the neglected negro music of the Nazi's eyes, which was often performed by black or jewish musicians.
The Swingjugend was distinguished not only by music but also by clothing and its own jargon that was spotted with anglicism. The youngsters often carried long hair, hats and umbrellas. They organized music festivals, competitions and needed jazz bands. Although the swing boys were, in principle, apolitical, they mocked the Nazis, the Army and the Hitlerjugend, for example, by greeting Swing Heil with each other! instead of Sieg Heil !. When larger gatherings were banned, the young people met in discotheques and living rooms.
From 1941 the Swingjugend's suppression significantly increased. Visit to dance was now forbidden for young people under 21 years old. On August 18, 1941 300 swing boys were arrested. Their leaders were sent to concentration camps; ordinary members were under strict supervision.
In 1993, Swing Kids released a movie about the Swingjugend directed by Thomas Carter.
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