History

The German Youth Organization "Deutsches Jungvolk" (DJ) was founded as a junior level of the Hitler Youth movement by Kurt Gruber in 1928. Membership in the DJ was mandatory for German boys between the ages of 10-14 from March 25, 1939, onward.

The German Youth (DJ) Proficiency Badge was instituted to replace the Iron Badge grade of the Hitler Youth Proficiency Badge, which became obsolete in 1937. The Badge was awarded to members of the DJ in recognition of proficiency and achievements in physical fitness and Nazi ideology.

The cloth version of the badge was worn on the physical fitness uniform of the recipients.

The Black Badge grade was only awarded for a short period of time following the Badge's institution in 1935.