This semi-postal series, titled "Für die Jugend 1994" (For the Youth 1994), was issued by the Deutsche Bundespost on April 14, 1994. Surcharges from these stamps benefit the Stiftung Deutsche Jugendmarke e.V., supporting various measures for the welfare of young people. The set commemorates the 100th anniversary of the death of Dr. Heinrich Hoffmann, the Frankfurt physician and author who created the world-famous children's book, Der Struwwelpeter.
The stamps feature iconic illustrations from Hoffmann's cautionary stories:
80+40 Pf – Paulinchen: Based on "The Dreadful Story of Pauline and the Matches," a warning against the dangers of playing with fire.
80+40 Pf – Hanns Guck-in-die-Luft: Taken from "The Story of Johnny Head-in-Air," depicting the consequences of not paying attention to one's surroundings.
100+50 Pf – Der Struwwelpeter: Features the eponymous character used by Hoffmann to build trust with young patients afraid of medical examinations.
100+50 Pf – Der böse Friederich: From "The Story of Cruel Frederick," highlighting themes of moral education and animal protection.
200+80 Pf – Der Zappel-Philipp: Based on "The Story of Fidgety Philip," a synoynm in modern psychology for hyperactive children.
The official collector's sheet, designed by Annegret Ehmke, includes a first-day-of-issue cancellation from Bonn featuring a silhouette of the Johnny Head-in-Air character.
