1900. German Private Stationary Card?? A Very Funny Printing On The Reverse

I am not sure what is this. Although the scene on reverse looks like an drawing, it is printed. Some additional comments are written in pencil?

Any idea how to name something like this? A private issued stationery card? Or "a private postal card"?

It's not a private stationery card, but government issued postal card. The illustration was added later by another for whatever purpose.

The illustration is a commentary of some kind on education. It appears that the donkeys are graduates of the Koenigstaedt Gymnasium, i.e., a college preparatory high school. It appears that they are headed off to university or college by crossing a river called "Lethe" (?) which I do not understand.

Lethe was a river of the underworld which would cause forgetfulness in all who drank its waters.

my interpretation: the penciled in comments are actually signatures, perhaps of a graduating class, with the concept of remembering each other as they leave gymnasium and head off in different directions (note the sign and crossroads across the river from the school). somewhat of a precursor to the modern high school year book.

Thanks PostmasterGS. So, the illustrator's barb is aimed either at the "gymnasium" or the students...and, it appears that the students are the target.

Kuhli, I think you may very well be correct.

Donkey is symbolic of versatility, intelligence, eager worker, determination, stubbornness, spiritual dedication, undying faith in the creative force, willingness to take onboard the responsibilities and burdens of others (beast of burden).

Would the card be advocating sobriety in the years ahead, whilst showing the consequences?

The Beer Stein in the sun, is curious.

Thank you for all replies, people.

Rod222... in my language, donkey is a symbol of extreme stubbornness (in the worst way), almost stupidity... it is a clear insult when you say someone that he is a donkey.

Possibly this illustration is made by someone from University... they have not been satisfied with the quality of students which arrived from the Gymnasium... they got donkeys instead of clever students. Always the same story :)

Kuhli is correct in my opinion. In West Europe, Holland and Germany especially it was a custom to make a memento like this when you graduate or change life in a similar manner. It is a graduation card by the folks going to the University.
Back in earlier times, when I left the Army we did this also. I can not find my photo, but it showed my "bunky" digging a fox hole while he can see me leaving the post! The cards are supposed to be more or less sarcastic.

Peter

Yes... it has a sense. Although I didn't see such a pieces from 1900. ... and which have been printed on a stationary card.

Old German handwriting is always hard to read, but, it seems to be addressed to:

fräulein Gert(rude) Müller...

from Templin.

Probably sent by her boyfriend... or maybe brother or friend... or maybe she was also in that class, and her classmates sent to her.

Or maybe she was from that class, and she sent the card back to her address (is she was in Berling only on study, and her family was from Templin)