Many German citizens during the Nazi era claimed to be unaware of the Holocaust or the mass murder of European Jews although evidence that they did know was substantial. They were known as "bystanders" by historian Raul Hilberg. It's important to note that the information currently suggests that denial was widespread and that many German citizens were at least aware of the Nazis' discrimination and persecution of Jews, even if they did not have detailed knowledge about the concentration cams or the extermination of Jews. The extent of knowledge and involvement varied due to a complex intersection of factors, with some people directly participating while others chose not to confront the truth or actively opposed the Nazi regime.