Secret Nazi Codes Litter Germany

Swastikas may be outlawed in Germany, but that doesn't mean that neo-Nazi signs have disappeared. Coded letters, numbers, and other symbols communicate support of the extremist philosophy among those "in the know" in German society, reports Der Spiegel. The numbers 14 and 88, for example, which can be seen on placards waved at soccer games, indicate neo-Nazi support, according to a brochure on the complex code that's revealing a growing political movement.

Some 150 different neo-Nazi codes currently exist in German society, according to the brochure, titled Hide and Seek and written by expert Michael Weiss. HH stands for "Heil Hitler," which is also banned in Germany, and the number 14 refers to the 14 words of American white separatist David Lane when he said: "We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children." The codes are found on license plates, at athletic events, and on tattoos. Some 195 extremist groups with 26,000 members exist in Germany, but sympathizers can also be found in many other more mainstream factions of German life, according to Der Spiegel. (Maybe the Smurfs are in on this?)