Berlin  - Germany banned an extremist right-wing youth group on Tuesday and conducted searches of property used by its leaders, the interior ministry said.

A statement said the group, True Homeland German Youth, propagated racism and Nazi ideology.

The ministry said the group organized holiday activities for children and young people where Nazi views were presented in the guise of non-political events.

The group schooled pre-teen children in "racial studies" and emphasized the need for "purity of blood" and the "procreation of the German race," the ministry said.

It also classed foreigners and Jews as a threat to the German race, the ministry statement said.

Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said the ban put an end to "the disgusting activities" of the youth group.

"We will do everything in our power to protect our children and young people from these Pied Pipers," Schaeuble said.

It was not immediately clear how many members the group had.

erman politicians have been warning of the threat posed by anti-foreigner right-wing groups in Germany. (dpa)