Emigrating to the Netherlands 1933 - 1940

In April 1934 Anne starts attending the Montessori kindergarten. Otto Frank later says: ‘It was good for Anne to attend a Montessori school, where every pupil is treated as an individual.'

New Home

Otto Frank manages to set up a business in Amsterdam. Edith, Margot and Anne follow him to the Netherlands. They find a place to live on the Merwedeplein. The Franks feel safe and free again. The children go to school, Otto works hard on his business and Edith takes care of the household. But then World War 2 breaks out. On 10 May 1940, Germany invades the Netherlands. The Frank family is in danger once more.

A new start Otto goes to Amsterdam ahead of his family

Edith, Margot and Anne stay behind in Germany.

More...
Anne met vriendinnetjes

In Amsterdam The Frank family feels safe and free again

During the early years, Edith Frank does not really feel at home in the Netherlands...

More...

Otto Frank's businesses Otto works hard on his businesses and is rarely at home

Otto Frank works hard on his businesses and is rarely at home...

More...
German forces enter Warsaw in late September 1939

Threat of War Dark clouds gather over Europe

Via their friends and acquaintances, the Frank family stays up-to-date regarding developments in Nazi Germany...

More...

Anne writes:

New Home

“Because we're Jewish, my father emigrated to Holland in 1933, where he became the Managing Director of the Dutch Opekta Company, which manufactures products used in making jam. My mother, Edith Holländer Frank, went with him to Holland in September, while Margot and I were sent to Aachen, to stay with our grandmother. Margot went to Holland in December, and I followed in February, where I was plunked down on the table as a birthday present for Margot.”

To the timeline

Anne's surroundings

Otto Frank Anne and Margot's father, Edith's husband

Otto sets up a business in the Netherlands. After that, his family can come over too.

More...

Edith Frank Anne and Margot's mother, Otto's wife

Edith has trouble settling down in the Netherlands.

More...

Margot Frank Daughter of Otto and Edith, sister of Anne

Otto and Edith’s daughter, Anne’s sister Margot is a quiet, serious girl who enjoys studying.

More...