Original 1942 German Wehrmacht Army Soldiers Marriage Health Certificate Köln Cover Document

Original WWII German Eheunbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung issued in Köln (Cologne) on May 29, 1942. An especially interesting example because the document was manufactured as a folding official cover—the outer cover unfolds to reveal the complete certificate inside.

Across the top is the large purple marking “Nur für Wehrmacht” — “For Wehrmacht Only.” The document was issued by the Gesundheitsamt der Hansestadt Köln, the Health Office of the Hanseatic City of Cologne.

The certificate was issued to Anna Maria Harbrink, born December 19, 1910 in Köln, and residing at Rubenstraße 5, Köln.

Full Translation / Historical Purpose

“Eheunbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung” translates approximately as “Certificate of No Objection to Marriage” or “Marriage Eligibility/Health Certificate.”

The document certifies that, on the basis of the records available, there were no legal objections to the proposed marriage under the German Marriage Health Law (Ehegesundheitsgesetz) and related racial legislation then in force. It specifically references the 1935 Law for the Protection of the Hereditary Health of the German People and regulations connected with the Law for the Protection of German Blood and German Honor.

The final printed line states:

“This certificate loses its validity six months after its date of issue.”

The certificate bears an official Köln city/health authority eagle seal and the signature of an official acting on behalf of the Amtsarzt, or public health physician.

What makes this piece particularly appealing is its unusual integral presentation. When folded, the reverse becomes an official mailing/document cover headed:

“Der Oberbürgermeister der Hansestadt Köln”
“The Lord Mayor of the Hanseatic City of Cologne.”

The cover also retains the Köln municipal eagle emblem and printed official-service markings. It then unfolds to reveal the large pink marriage certificate inside.

This is an excellent piece of surviving WWII German social, military and civil-administration history, showing how marriage, health regulations and military bureaucracy intersected during the period. The prominent “Nur für Wehrmacht” marking makes it especially displayable.

Condition: Very good original used condition for its age. Period folds are present as intended from its use as a folding cover/document. There is normal toning, handling wear, minor edge wear and scattered age marks. The printing, 1942 date, official seal and large Wehrmacht marking remain strong and highly legible. Please examine all photographs for exact condition.

Authenticity: Guaranteed original WWII-period German document.

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