A Stolperstein lies in the pavement, so it can be in the way of roadworks. It can be taken out temporarily, but it must be put back. If a stone is missing during the works, tell the local Stolpersteine group or the municipality. This article explains why the stones lie in the pavement and what happens to them during works.
Why the stones lie in the pavement
Stolperstein is German for stumbling stone. Stones lie in about 30 European countries, including Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium and France. A stone lies in front of the last home the person chose freely, before they were forced to move, go into hiding or were arrested. Sometimes it lies in front of a workplace or a school instead.
A stone is flush with the pavement, so you do not trip over it physically. Demnig's point is that you stumble with your head and your heart, and that you have to bow to read the name.
Before a stone is laid, local volunteers research the life of the person and ask the municipality for permission, because the pavement is public ground. Stones are requested and paid for by private people and local groups, such as relatives, residents, schools, local foundations and history societies.
What happens during roadworks
During roadworks, a stone can be taken out of the pavement temporarily. Afterwards it must be put back. If a stone is missing during the works, tell the local Stolpersteine group or the municipality. Give the address, so that they know which stone it is. This allows the stone to be put back or replaced. Once it is back in place, the stone lies flush with the pavement again.
The map on this website can mark a stone as temporarily missing because of works. This shows you that the stone is absent because of the works, and not because it has disappeared.
How stones are laid
Stones are laid in a small ceremony, often with relatives, neighbours and schoolchildren. Names are read, and often flowers are laid. For many years Demnig laid most of the stones himself.
To see whether a stone near you is marked as temporarily missing, search the map by name, street or city.
Read on
Who looks after the Stolpersteine in my town?
Local people request and pay for Stolpersteine. Volunteers look for relatives, and the municipality gives permission because the pavement is public ground.
Stolpersteine and 4 May: remembering at the front door
4 May is Remembrance of the Dead in the Netherlands, a common day to clean Stolpersteine. Anyone may clean a stone, and no permission is needed.
Stolpersteine on 27 January: cleaning stones and reading names
27 January is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. It is a common day to clean Stolpersteine and read the names on them. Here is how to clean a stone.
