All Quiet on the Western Front — Movie Quotes

Delivered during a rousing speech in the school auditorium to encourage Paul and his classmates to enlist.

Represents the hollow, nationalistic propaganda used to manipulate young men into sacrificing their lives. The phrase becomes bitterly ironic as the 'iron' youth are easily broken by steel and explosives.

Spoken during a quiet moment of reflection between battles, as the men eat and discuss their bleak reality.

Summarizes the reduction of human existence to its most primal, animalistic state within the trenches. It reflects the loss of civilization and higher purpose.

Spoken to the French delegation or German generals (implied context from his historical stance and film dialogue) during discussions about the cost of continuing the war.

A sharp rebuke to the military leadership's obsession with 'honor.' It humanizes the cost of war and highlights that dead soldiers do not care about national pride.

Shouted from a balcony or safe distance as he orders men to their deaths.

Shows the General's complete detachment from reality and his view of soldiers as disposable tools to be ordered around even in the face of certain death.