Carl von Ossietzky was born on October 3, 1889, in Hamburg. He grew up as an only child in a middle-class family. His father died when he was just two years old. With the support of his stepfather, he developed into an intellectual with a strong interest in history and literature. He was not a scientist, but a pronounced thinker who, from a young age, felt connected to pacifist ideals and began writing about them. As World War I approached, he stopped. Von Ossietzky was sent to the Western Front. After the German Empire lost the war, he became one of the most important left-wing journalists.

Upon returning from the front, he first worked as a secretary for the Deutsche Friedensgesellschaft (German Peace Society). In the mid-1920s, he left this job to focus entirely on journalism. He started as an editorial staff member at the Berliner Volkszeitung and became editor-in-chief of Die Weltbühne in May 1927. He wrote about the dangers of National Socialism and the thriving war industry. His sharp criticism led to multiple lawsuits. In November 1931, he was imprisoned for seven months on charges of treason. After his release, he continued his fight.

After the Reichstag fire in 1933, the mass suppression of political opponents of the Nazi regime began. Carl von Ossietzky was among the first to be arrested. He was sent to Esterwegen camp, one of fifteen Emsland camps built and put into use shortly after Hitler came to power. In these camps, prisoners were severely mistreated and subjected to grueling forced labor. Despite his imprisonment, Von Ossietzky remained a symbol of peaceful resistance against injustice.

Although Carl von Ossietzky was still imprisoned in Esterwegen camp, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on November 23. German intellectuals in exile, including future Chancellor Willy Brandt, had successfully lobbied for Von Ossietzky. This award caused an uproar. The German government forbade him from receiving the prize, and the German press was prohibited from covering it.

By that time, Von Ossietzky's health was already severely deteriorated. Years of abuse and poor living conditions in the camp had taken their toll. On May 4, 1938, Carl von Ossietzky died from the consequences of his imprisonment. He was 48 years old. The university in Oldenburg now bears his name in honor of his courage and conviction.