Ellenberger joined the New Forum movement during 1989, but then, as she later recalled, nothing happened.[1] By this time she was finding her architectural work, which under the East German system she has described as a somewhat industrial process, monotonous.[4] Towards the end of 1989, hesitantly, turned to party politics, joining the Social Democratic local branch in Weimar.[2] Her choice of the SDP reflected both the long-standing political tradition of her family, dating back to the years before dictatorship, and her huge admiration for Willy Brandt.[4] She later said that her move into politics reflected an urge to take care of the people of Weimar, her home town.[4]