Frequently asked questions
Our FAQ section contains the most important questions and answers about Historiathek – the digital archive for historical film footage, photos and documents. Here you can find out how to research and license material and use it for film, TV, scientific or educational projects. The FAQ section provides a quick overview of Historiathek’s offerings, rights, usage options and services.
Yes, many materials are suitable for teaching materials, school projects and university teaching. If you have any questions about rights or usage, the Historiathek will be happy to provide personal advice.
High-quality restored film and photo material
Scientifically verified classification
Combination of professional archives and rare private material
Curated collections with historical context
Fast research & flexible licensing models
Individual consultation by historians and media professionals
Via the contact form or by email. For licence enquiries, please specify:
Material ID
Project type / context of use
Area of use and duration
This will enable the Historiathek to quickly prepare a suitable offer.
The platform is aimed at:
Documentary and feature film productions
TV broadcasters and streaming providers
Journalists and authors
Museums, exhibitions and cultural projects
Science and academia
Schools and educational institutions
Those interested in historical research
Corporate or advertising film producers
Yes. Historians and specialist authors research and curate the content. Biographies, background articles and timelines are based on current historical findings and guarantee academic quality.
Yes. Historiathek works with private individuals, archive holders and institutions. Submitted material is professionally:
digitised
restored
archived
made accessible and licensed upon request
This enables the preservation and use of previously unknown contemporary evidence.
The Historiathek offers:
Full-text search
Filters by period, location, era, people, topics and media type
Curated dossiers and thematic collections
Recommendations from the editorial team
This allows even complex searches to be carried out quickly and accurately.
Some of the material is still protected by copyright, while other material is already in the public domain. The Historiathek checks each item individually and ensures that it can be used in a legally compliant manner. Information on copyright, sources and licence conditions is provided with each item. You are purchasing a licence to use our digital copy of the original film.
Licensing depends on:
Intended use (television, cinema, web, festivals, etc.)
Duration and territories
Length of material
After submitting a request, users receive a customised licence package. The Historiathek also provides support with rights clearance and copyright checks.
Yes. The archive material can be licensed for documentaries, feature films, television productions, streaming formats, social media, and exhibitions. The Historiathek creates individual offers and advises on all questions regarding usage rights.
Die Historiathek stellt Wochenschauen, zeitgeschichtliche Filmaufnahmen, privates 16-mm- und 8-mm-Material, Originaldokumente, Kriegsberichterstattung, Biografien und Kontextartikel bereit. Viele Inhalte stammen aus seltenen privaten Sammlungen oder spezialisierten Archiven und wurden professionell restauriert und digitalisiert.
Die Historiathek ist ein digitales Archiv für historisches Filmmaterial, Fotos, Dokumente und wissenschaftlich kuratierte Inhalte. Die Plattform richtet sich an Filmproduktionen, Medien, Forschung und Bildung und bietet hochwertig digitalisierte Quellen zur deutschen und europäischen und weltweiten Geschichte.