Der Adler was a richly illustrated magazine issued by the Reichsluftfahrtministerium and served as the official publication of the German Air Force. The volumes for the years 1940 and 1941 document the peak period of German air warfare during the Second World War. Through extensive texts and photographs, the magazine presents air operations, aircraft technology, portraits of pilots and reports on missions carried out on various theaters of war. The high-quality design and large-format printing make these issues impressive historical documents of their time. The issues for 1940 and 1941 contain numerous reports, photographic features and technical articles devoted to the German Air Force. Topics include bomber and fighter operations, new aircraft types, crew training and propagandistic portrayals of military successes. Photography plays a central role, often presented in large formats and printed with high technical quality, conveying an idealized image of technology, discipline and military power. The magazine represents an important source for the study of wartime propaganda, visual communication and military history of the Second World War. The Reichsluftfahrtministerium (Reich Air Ministry) was a central authority of National Socialist Germany, responsible for the organization, administration and propaganda of the German Air Force. In addition to its administrative duties, the ministry published numerous periodicals intended to inform and ideologically influence the population. Der Adler was among the most prominent and influential publications produced by this apparatus.