List of Presidents of Germany (1919-2025)

Germany is one of the most influential nations in Europe, which has a complex political system that includes both a president and a chancellor.

The president of Germany serves as the head of state, primarily holding a ceremonial role with moral authority and limited executive powers.

Starting from 1871, Germany was initially an imperial state, or German Reich, which was ruled by monarchs such as Wilhelm I, Friedrich III, and Wilhelm II until the German Revolution in 1918, when the German Reich changed its form of government from a monarchy to a republic.

After the revolution, the Weimar Republic came into power. The Weimar Constitution, introduced in August 1919, created the position of President of the Reich.

This role was meant to be the head of state of Germany. However, when President Paul von Hindenburg died in August 1934, the position was not filled again. 

Instead, Adolf Hitler took over as both head of state and head of government under the title Führer und Reichskanzler (Leader and Chancellor).

This change was later approved through a public vote. Towards the end of World War II, after Hitler’s suicide in April 1945, Karl Dönitz briefly became president based on Hitler’s final will. However, his presidency lasted only a few weeks as Germany surrendered in May 1945.

Currently, Frank-Walter Steinmeier is the president of Germany, who has held the office since 19 March 2017 and is serving the nation.

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List of German Presidents During the Weimar Republic Era (1919–1933)

Friedrich Ebert, a prominent member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), became Germany’s first president, serving from 1919 until he died in 1925. 

Following his tenure, Hans Luther stepped in as acting president for a brief period of 12 days in February 1925, ensuring continuity during the transition. He was the finance minister who helped stabilise the Mark during the hyperinflation of 1923.

Shortly after, Walter Simons took over in an acting capacity for 61 days, bridging the gap until a new president could be established. 

In May 1925, Paul von Hindenburg assumed the presidency. A celebrated military leader, Hindenburg was re-elected in 1932 and served until March 1933, leaving a lasting impact on Germany’s interwar political landscape.

List of Leaders During Nazi Germany Era (1933–1945)

1. Paul von Hindenburg (1847–1934)

Paul von Hindenburg was a decorated German military officer and statesman. He was first elected as president in 1925 and re-elected in 1932 during a time of political instability. Although he tried to maintain control over Germany’s democracy, he ultimately appointed Adolf Hitler as Chancellor in 1933. His death on August 2, 1934, led to Hitler merging the positions of President and Chancellor, effectively ending the office of Reichspräsident.

2. Adolf Hitler (1889–1945)

Adolf Hitler, leader of the Nazi Party (NSDAP), took full control of Germany following Hindenburg’s death. He abolished the presidency, declaring himself Führer und Reichskanzler (Leader and Chancellor). His rule led to World War II and the Holocaust. He remained Germany’s absolute dictator until April 30, 1945, when he died by suicide as Germany faced defeat in the war.

3. Karl Dönitz (1891–1980)

Karl Dönitz, a naval commander and Hitler’s designated successor, briefly became Germany’s head of state after Hitler’s death. His role lasted only 23 days (April 30 – May 23, 1945), during which he attempted to negotiate peace with the Allies. He was arrested on May 23, 1945, marking the formal collapse of Nazi Germany.

List of German Presidents During the German Democratic Republic Era (East Germany) (1949–1990)

1. Wilhelm Pieck (1949–1960)

Wilhelm Pieck was the first and only President of East Germany (German Democratic Republic, GDR). A member of the Socialist Unity Party (SED), he helped establish East Germany as a communist state under Soviet influence. In 1960, after his death, the office of the President was abolished and replaced by the State Council.

2. Johannes Dieckmann (Acting, 1960)

After Pieck’s death, Johannes Dieckmann served as acting President for just five days before the transition to the new system. He was a member of the LDPD (Liberal Democratic Party).

Chairmen of the State Council (1960–1990)

3. Walter Ulbricht (1960–1973)

Walter Ulbricht became the first Chairman of the State Council, effectively the head of state. He played a key role in the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961 and aligned East Germany with Soviet policies. He remained in power until he died in 1973.

4. Friedrich Ebert Jr. (Acting, 1973)

Son of former German President Friedrich Ebert, he briefly served as acting Chairman for 63 days after Ulbricht’s death.

5. Willi Stoph (1973–1976)

Willi Stoph took over as Chairman but served only three years. His rule was less influential, as real power remained with the Communist Party leader, Erich Honecker.

6. Erich Honecker (1976–1989)

Erich Honecker was the most powerful leader of East Germany, ruling for nearly 13 years. He strengthened ties with the Soviet Union and maintained strict control over the country. However, growing protests and political pressure forced him to resign in 1989.

7. Egon Krenz (1989)

Egon Krenz replaced Honecker but lasted only 49 days as the Berlin Wall fell and East Germany began collapsing. He resigned in December 1989.

8. Manfred Gerlach (1989–1990)

Manfred Gerlach became East Germany’s last head of state before reunification. He served for 120 days, overseeing the transition to democracy.

President of the People's Chamber (1990)

9. Sabine Bergmann-Pohl (1990)

Sabine Bergmann-Pohl became the head of East Germany’s parliament (Volkskammer) and its last official leader. She served for 180 days before Germany reunified on October 3, 1990, marking the end of East Germany.

List of Presidents of the Federal Republic of Germany (1949–present)

1. Theodor Heuss (1949–1959)

Theodor Heuss was the first President of West Germany after World War II. He played a key role in rebuilding the country and strengthening democracy. His leadership helped establish the foundation of modern Germany. He served two terms from 1949 to 1959 as a member of the Free Democratic Party (FDP).

2. Heinrich Lübke (1959–1969)

Lübke was a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and served as President for almost ten years. His presidency was marked by economic growth and the early stages of the Cold War. However, he resigned in 1969 due to health issues.

3. Gustav Heinemann (1969–1974)

Heinemann was a Social Democratic Party (SPD) leader and was known for his strong commitment to democracy and peace. He promoted reconciliation with Eastern European countries and supported civil rights in Germany.

4. Walter Scheel (1974–1979)

Scheel, from the FDP, was the first German President to visit China. He focused on international relations and promoting West Germany as a global player. His tenure saw economic stability and diplomatic progress.

5. Karl Carstens (1979–1984)

Carstens, a CDU leader, was known for his efforts to strengthen West Germany’s global standing. He travelled extensively to different parts of the country to connect with the people and understand their concerns.

6. Richard von Weizsäcker (1984–1994)

Weizsäcker, a CDU leader, is remembered as one of Germany’s most respected Presidents. He is famous for his speech on May 8, 1985, where he called the end of World War II a "day of liberation" for Germany. His tenure covered the historic fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany.

7. Roman Herzog (1994–1999)

Herzog was a CDU politician who emphasized education reforms and technological advancements. His presidency was marked by efforts to modernize Germany’s economy and prepare it for the 21st century.

8. Johannes Rau (1999–2004)

Rau, from the SPD, focused on social justice and reconciliation. His famous slogan was "Reconciliation instead of division," and he worked to build bridges between different communities in Germany.

9. Horst Köhler (2004–2010)

Köhler, a CDU leader, was a former International Monetary Fund (IMF) official. He focused on economic policies and international cooperation. He resigned in 2010 following controversial remarks about Germany’s military role abroad.

10. Christian Wulff (2010–2012)

Wulff, also from the CDU, became Germany’s youngest President at the time. His presidency was short-lived due to a financial scandal that led to his resignation in 2012.

11. Joachim Gauck (2012–2017)

Gauck was an independent President with a background in human rights activism. He was known for advocating democracy, freedom, and social justice.

12. Frank-Walter Steinmeier (2017–Present)

Steinmeier, an SPD politician, has been Germany’s President since 2017. He is known for his diplomatic approach, promoting European unity, and strengthening Germany’s global influence. He was re-elected in 2022.

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