For the first time since the dark days of Hitler's Nazi Germany, a right-wing nationalist party is centre stage in German politics.

"It is a major turning point in German history to have a far right party represented in the Bundestag. Germany is really undergoing a phase of profound transition right now." Far right extremist expert

The controversial Alternative for Germany party has become the third largest political group to gain representation in the German parliament in a shock election result a month ago.

"What is happening is really unprecedented...The people who are considered on the very margins on the far right, they're increasingly coming into the mainstream." Far right extremist expert

The party's strong anti-immigrant stance has been a key part of their success, fuelled by Germany's decision to open its borders during the 2015 refugee crisis which saw almost a million refugees stream into the country.

"I'm scared that my culture and everything that I, as a German have learned in my life, is being destroyed. No one pays attention to what we want, only to what they want." Nationalist

Views that were once only whispered are now being shouted.

"We always said the number of crimes and rape cases are going to go up and that's what happened. They're not all rapists but the number of thefts has increased. Statistics prove it. We warned everyone about it." Nationalist

Right-wing extremism in Germany has surged to its highest level since the downfall of the Third Reich, with a record number of attacks against asylum seekers and their supporters.

"It's not only racist remarks. There's also symbols of the National Socialist regime which is the swastika and Hitler photos which directly hits the core of their political beliefs, the deadly racism of the National Socialism ideology." Writer

This film, from the BBC's Panorama program, charts the rise of one notorious anti-immigrant group which stands accused of a wave of violent attacks. In an exclusive interview, one of the group's ringleaders talks for the first time about his motivations and his actions.

"You meet these people who think the same way as you and you feel understood." Accused neo Nazi

Some are warning that now more than ever, Germany must not forget its brutal past.

"Due to our history, we have a responsibility. As the country responsible for the Holocaust, Germany is obliged never to let this happen again and to crush groups which create a dangerous climate, like in Nazi times, for migrants and minorities." Lawyer

Germany's New Nazis, from the BBC's Panorama program, presented by Sarah Ferguson, goes to air on Monday 30th October at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 31st October at 1.00pm and Wednesday 1st November at 11pm. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners.