When the DÖW was founded in 1963, it had over 1,500 (almost 6 metres of shelf space) files. Today, there are more than 350 meters of shelf space with files on resistance, persecution and exile. Access to the files is ensured through catalogues and indexes.

Most files are already electronically searchable (electronic database ARCHIDOC: Requests possible for names, places, keywords, originating time of the file, original archive (with copies), bearer; full text inquiries in the short description of the file.)

• Microfilms
• Oral history
• Photo collection
• Posters
• Right-wing extremism collection
• Spanish Civil War collection
• Women's concentration camp Ravensbrück