List of Presidents of Germany From 1919 to 2025 (Latest Updated)

List of Presidents of Germany: Germany is a major European power. Its politics are complex and its history is rich. This system revolves around the president, who represents the nation internally and abroad. The Federal President of the Federal Republic of Germany is Germany’s leader. Several presidents have led Germany since 1949. This page lists Germany’s presidents and their contributions to the country’s progress.

List of Presidents of Germany

Here is the complete list of presidents of germany:

1. Friedrich Ebert (1919-1925)

The voters elected Friedrich Ebert as Germany’s first president. He ruled Germany from 1919 to 1925. After World War I, Ebert had to lead Germany from monarchy to republic, which was difficult.

He worked tirelessly to improve Germans’ lives and stabilize the country despite many issues. He championed democracy and equality. His efforts to improve Germany are still remembered and respected.

2. Paul von Hindenburg (1925-1934)

From 1925 to 1934, Paul von Hindenburg was Germany’s second president. He was notable for leading the WWI soldiers. He was originally popular and did well as president, but his decisions helped the Nazis acquire power. This caused Germany major troubles and the fall of the Weimar Republic.

3. Hitler (1934-1945)

Hitler, one of history’s most notorious villains, became German leader in 1933. World War II and the Holocaust, which killed millions, were his fault. His rigorous rule and fierce nationalism shaped the world. Hitler’s acts still affect world politics and society despite his brief presidency.

4. Karl Dönitz (1945)

In 1945, navy commander Karl Dönitz briefly became Germany’s president. His acts during World War II and as Nazi Germany’s last leader are remembered. Despite being president for a brief period, Dönitz left a lasting impact on German history.

5. Theodor Heuss (1949-1959)

West Germany’s first president, Theodor Heuss, served from 1949 until 1959. Born in 1884, he was a prominent Weimar Republic politician. He championed democracy and social improvement.

After World War II, he helped rebuild Germany and was elected its first president by parliament. He was a powerful leader who cared about democracy and helped establish post-war Germany. People revered him as the “Father of the Nation.”

6. Heinrich Lübke (1959-1969)

Heinrich Lübke was West Germany’s second president from 1959 until 1969. Born in 1894 in Enkhausen, Westphalia, he was a prominent German politician. Lübke spent a lengthy career serving the public and helped rebuild Germany after WWII. He tried hard to make friends with other nations and enhance relations with Germany.

7. Gustav Heinemann (1969-1974)

Gustav Heinemann was a prominent 20th-century German politician. He was born in 1899 and worked in politics for years. He’s most recognized for being Germany’s president from 1969 until 1974.

Heinemann was a strong leader who valued democracy and fairness. Peace and justice in Germany and the world were also his goals. Heinemann, West Germany’s third president, is still revered for his contributions.

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8. Walter Scheel (1974-1979)

German politician Walter Scheel was important. He was Germany’s president from 1974 to 1979. Scheel, born in 1919, was a politician for 40 years. He was personable, dedicated, and a powerful leader. He shaped Germany’s economy and politics as president. He dedicated his life to peace and prosperity in Germany and the world.

9. Karl Carstens (1979-1984)

Carl Carstens was a major German politician after WWII. He was West Germany’s fifth president from 1979 to 1984. Being honest, adept at talking, and believing in democracy earned him respect. Carstens aided Germany during a time of great social and economic change. From lawyer and parliamentarian to president, he was a leader who united and won respect.

10. 1984-1994 Richard von Weizsäcker

Weizsäcker was a major German politician. He was Germany’s 1984–1994 president. People respected him and believed he helped shape Germany. After East and West Germany split, he worked tirelessly to unite them. Weizsäcker changed Germany during his tenure, and people today revere him for his commitment to democracy, unity, and peace.

11. Roman Herzog (1994-1999)

Roman Herzog was influential in Germany. Leader, politician, and legal expert. He was born in Bavaria in 1934. Before entering politics, he was a successful lawyer and teacher. His party was the Christian Democratic Union. He held many government positions before becoming Germany’s seventh president. After East and West Germany reunited, he cared about fairness and unity as president.

12. Johannes Rau (1999-2004)

Johannes Rau was a key German leader. The eighth president from 1999 to 2004. He was praised for his commitment to democracy, fairness, and international cooperation. Rau’s warm demeanor, strong values, and political experience made him a popular president.

13. Horst Köhler (2004-2010)

Horst Köhler was Germany’s ninth president from 2004 to 2010. His successful career in economics and politics made him a respected leader with expertise before becoming president. Köhler helped Germany and shaped its foreign policy as president. His leadership and patriotism changed Germany and the world.

14. Christian Wulff (2010-2012)

Christian Wulff was Germany’s 10th president from 2010 until 2012. He became Germany’s youngest state leader after entering politics in Lower Saxony. Christian Democratic Union leader Wulff was important. He was praised and criticized as president. His presidency changed how Germans view the president.

15. Joachim Gauck (2012-2017)

Joachim Gauck was crucial to Germany. He was popular as president from 2012 to 2017. After studying religion and working for civil rights, Gauck cared about human rights and fairness for all. Gauck strove to unite people, be more welcoming, and discuss Germany’s past, even the terrible, as president.

16. Frank-Walter Steinmeier (2017–present)

Germany’s president is Frank-Walter Steinmeier. He’s led the country since 2017 and has shaped its policies. Steinmeier is well-liked in Germany and around the world for his long political career. He is admired for his leadership, communication skills, and tireless efforts to help Germans. In general, he’s a popular and powerful president.