Founded in 1909, the German Youth Hostel Association (German: Deutsches Jugendherbergswerk) or DJH is a not-for-profit, registered association (eingetragener Verein). Through the state (Bundesland) associations it is the representative of the 536 youth hostels in Germany (as at 2013) and thus the largest member of the international youth association, Hostelling International (HI). The headquarters has its seat in Detmold and is divided into 14 state associations and 218 local and county volunteer associations. It has more than 2 million members.

Membership of the German Youth Hostel Association is a prerequisite for an overnight stay in a hostel in Germany. Abroad, DJH members can stay in hostels that are associated with Hostelling International and may be entitled to discounts there. DJH membership is obtained through the state association responsible for each residence. In addition, organizations such as clubs or schools may apply for corporate membership. The DJH was merged into the Hitler Youth in 1933 until the end of the Second World War. In 1949 it was re-founded at Altena Castle in North Rhine-Westphalia and is now a member of the European Movement Germany.

The badge offered here is die struck ot tin and dated 1937 with pin back. The finish is quite nice, with about 95% remaining. Overall an excellent example. VG+ condition.

Below is an interesting shot video showing the Deutsches Jugendherbergswerk under the Hitler Youth during the Third Reich.