Twin brothers who were separated at birth have been reunited after spending almost 70 years apart.

The brothers were adopted out in Germany separately shortly after they were born, when their mother was sent to a forced labour camp in Poland during the Second World War.

George Skrzynecky and Lucian Poznanski, both 69, were born in Germany in 1946, BBC reports.

Their mother fell ill after giving birth and was too sick to take care of them.

Neither man grew up knowing he had a brother.

Mr Poznanski first found out about his twin when he was drafted into the army, while Mr Skrzynecky found when he was a 17-year-old after coming across paperwork which revealed he was adopted.

Mr Skrzynecky moved to California, feeling betrayed by his family who lied to him about his parentage. He began looking for his brother with the help of the Red Cross.

“All my life I just want to know my family,” he told the BBC.

“For 70 years I was living without knowing things and was thinking I’m never going to find him.”

Mr Poznanski was not able to learn any details about his twin until last year, when by chance he found out information about his biological mother.

He also contacted the Red Cross, and with the help of the Red Cross Restoring Family Links Program he was successful in locating Mr Skrzynecky.

"I never knew when this day was going to happen — was thinking one day I'll find my brother," Mr Skrzynecky said.

"I couldn't wait to hug him and give him a big kiss."

The brothers met at Warsaw airport in Poland, where Mr Pozanksi lives, and embraced as both men broke into tears.

“My heart is overflowing with joy,” Mr Poznanski said.