Famous German Mathematicians

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 1 
Carl F. Gauss
(One of the Greatest Mathematicians of All Tim)
Carl F. Gauss
52
Birthdate: April 30, 1777
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Brunswick, Germany
Died: February 23, 1855

German mathematician and physicist Carl Friedrich Gauss is remembered for his work in math and science. Known as the Princeps mathematicorum, he laid down tenets such as the Gauss's Law. He had exhibited his talent since an early age and had completed writing Disquisitiones Arithmeticae by 21.

 2 
Johannes Kepler
(Astronomer Best Known for his Laws of Plantery Motion)
Johannes Kepler
39
Birthdate: December 27, 1571
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Weil der Stadt, Germany
Died: November 15, 1630

This 17th-century German mathematician, astronomer, and astrologer is remembered for his pathbreaking work on optics. He invented a developed version of the refracting telescope. He also laid down Kepler's laws of planetary motion and wrote Astronomia Nova, Harmonices Mundi, and Epitome Astronomiae Copernicanae.

 3 
David Hilbert
(Mathematician)
David Hilbert
20
Birthdate: January 23, 1862
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Königsberg or Wehlau, Province of Prussia (today Znamensk, Kaliningrad Oblast, Russia)
Died: February 14, 1943

German mathematician David Hilbert was first drawn to math inspired by his mother, who was a budding math enthusiast. He contributed to a host of concepts, theories, and postulates, such as Hilbert space, Hilbert's program, and Hilbert's problems. He died in oblivion, with a handful of people at his funeral.

 4 
Georg Cantor
(Mathematician)
Georg Cantor
20
Birthdate: March 3, 1845
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire
Died: January 6, 1918
Georg Cantor is remembered as the man behind the set theory of mathematics. Not known to many, he was a skilled violinist, too. He was one of the first to explore infinity. His final years were riddled with mental ailments, when he believed Shakespeare’s plays were written by Francis Bacon.
 5 
Emmy Noether
(German Mathematician Who Made Many Important Contributions to Abstract Algebra)
Emmy Noether
27
Birthdate: March 23, 1882
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
Died: April 14, 1935

Emmy Noether was a German mathematician best remembered for her contributions to abstract algebra. She is credited with discovering Noether's theorem, which is regarded as a fundamental theorem in mathematical physics. One of the most important mathematicians of her generation and the most important woman in mathematics history, Emmy Noether developed theories of algebras, fields, and rings.

 6 
Gottfried W. Leibniz
(German Mathematician Who Developed the Present Day Notation for the Differential and Integral Calculus)
Gottfried W. Leibniz
14
Birthdate: July 1, 1646
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Leipzig, Germany
Died: November 14, 1716
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz was a significant logician, mathematician, and philosopher of the Enlightenment era. He laid down his own concepts of differential and integral calculus. He was behind the invention of the mass-produced mechanical calculator and modified the binary number system. He also laid down a separate library cataloging system.
 7 
Bernhard Riemann
(Mathematician)
Bernhard Riemann
16
Birthdate: September 17, 1826
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Breselenz
Died: July 20, 1866

Bernhard Riemann was a German mathematician best remembered for his contributions to number theory, analysis, and differential geometry. His paper on the prime-counting function, which was published in 1859, is considered one of the most influential papers in the history of analytic number theory. Riemann is widely regarded as one of the greatest mathematicians ever.

 8 
Max Born
(German Physicist Who Won Nobel Prize for His Contribution to Quantum Mechanics)
Max Born
17
Birthdate: December 11, 1882
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Wrocław, Poland
Died: January 5, 1970
From being home-schooled for being too sickly to attend school, Max Born went on to win the Nobel Prize in Physics for his contribution to quantum mechanics. Being a Jew, with the rise of the Nazi power, he lost his professorship at the University of Göttingen, and moved to Cambridge.
 9 
Carl Gustav Jacob Jacobi
(German Mathematician Who Founded the Theory of Elliptic Functions)
Carl Gustav Jacob Jacobi
10
Birthdate: December 10, 1804
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Potsdam, Germany
Died: February 18, 1851

Carl Gustav Jacob Jacobi was a German mathematician best remembered for his contributions to differential equations, dynamics, number theory, determinants, and elliptic functions. He is the first Jewish mathematician to work as a professor at a German university. Jacobi has a crater on the Moon named after him in recognition of his contribution to science.

 10 
Gottlob Frege
(Philosopher)
Gottlob Frege
21
Birthdate: November 8, 1848
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Wismar, Germany
Died: July 26, 1925
 11 
Karl Weierstrass
(Mathematician)
Karl Weierstrass
10
Birthdate: October 31, 1815
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Ennigerloh
Died: February 19, 1897

Karl Weierstrass was a German mathematician best remembered for his significant contributions to mathematics. Often referred to as the father of modern analysis, Weierstrass proved the Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem and the intermediate value theorem. He also authorized the definition of continuous function. The asteroid 14100 Weierstrass and the lunar crater Weierstrass are named after him.

 12 
Georg Ohm
(Physicist & Mathematician)
Georg Ohm
16
Birthdate: March 16, 1789
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Erlangen, Germany
Died: July 6, 1854

Georg Ohm was a German mathematician and physicist. He is credited with discovering the proportionality between the voltage applied through a conductor and the subsequent electric current, which came to be known as Ohm's law. His work earned him the prestigious Copley Medal in 1841. A prolific writer, Georg Ohm published several papers and pamphlets throughout his career.

 13 
Hermann Klaus Hugo Weyl
(One of the Most Famous and Skilled Mathematicians of the 20th Century)
Hermann Klaus Hugo Weyl
16
Birthdate: November 9, 1885
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Elmshorn, Germany
Died: December 8, 1955

Hermann Klaus Hugo Wey is remembered for his contribution to both physics and math. He was one of the first scientists to think of merging the concepts of electromagnetism and relativity. He moved from the University of Göttingen to Princeton in the wake of the rise of the Nazi reign.

 14 
Edmund Husserl
(German Philosopher, Mathematician and Founder of Phenomenology)
Edmund Husserl
16
Birthdate: April 8, 1859
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Prostějov, Czechia
Died: April 27, 1938

Edmund Husserl was a German philosopher of Moravian origin. He established the school of phenomenology. He studied mathematics, physics, and astronomy at the University of Leipzig and worked as an assistant to mathematician Karl Weierstrass. He later became a professor of philosophy and taught for several years. He is considered a major figure in 20th-century philosophy.  

 15 
Peter Scholze
(German Mathematician)
Peter Scholze
12
Birthdate: December 11, 1987
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Dresden, Germany
 16 
Hermann Minkowski
(German Mathematician and Professor Who Created and Developed the Geometry of Numbers)
Hermann Minkowski
8
Birthdate: June 22, 1864
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Kaunas, Lithuania
Died: January 12, 1909

Hermann Minkowski was a mathematician who served as a professor at the University of Göttingen, the University of Königsberg, and the University of Zurich. He is credited with creating and developing the geometry of numbers. He is also credited with using geometrical methods to resolve problems in the theory of relativity, mathematical physics, and number theory.

 17 
Karl Schwarzschild
(German Physicist and Astronomer)
Karl Schwarzschild
8
Birthdate: October 9, 1873
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Frankfurt, Germany
Died: May 11, 1916

Karl Schwarzschild was a German astronomer and physicist. He is remembered for his contributions to the general theory of relativity; Schwarzschild came up with the first exact solution to the Albert Einstein field equations. He also contributed immensely to the theory of black holes.

 18 
Peter Gustav Lejeune Dirichlet
(German Mathematician Who Made Valuable Contributions to Number Theory, Analysis and Mechanics)
Peter Gustav Lejeune Dirichlet
5
Birthdate: February 13, 1805
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Düren, Germany
Died: May 5, 1859

German mathematician Peter Gustav Lejeune Dirichlet is remembered for his invaluable contribution to number theory. He pioneered the concept of a function, expressed through the equation y = f (x). Though his parents wanted him to become a merchant, his mastery of math made them change their minds.

 19 
Richard Dedekind
(German Mathematician Known for His Important Contributions to Number Theory, Abstract Algebra and Modern Set Theory)
Richard Dedekind
4
Birthdate: October 6, 1831
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Brunswick, Germany
Died: February 12, 1916

German mathematician Richard Dedekind is best remembered for his ideas on the real number and infinity. Initially interested in subjects such as physics and chemistry, he later deviated to math. He taught at various institutes and was awarded honorary doctorates from universities of Zurich, Oslo, and Braunschweig.

 20 
Charles Proteus Steinmetz
(German Mathematician and Engineer Whose Research on AC Systems Revolutionized the US Electric Industry)
Charles Proteus Steinmetz
8
Birthdate: April 9, 1865
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Wrocław
Died: October 26, 1923

Though German-born American mathematician and engineer Charles Proteus Steinmetz suffered from a deformed back since childhood, he excelled in math, physics, and classical literature. His ideas on alternating current (AC) systems initiated the electrical era in the US. By the time he died, he had over 200 patents under his name.

 21 
Emanuel Lasker
(German Chess Player, Mathematician, and Philosopher)
Emanuel Lasker
12
Birthdate: December 24, 1868
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Barlinek, Poland
Died: January 11, 1941
 22 
Felix Christian Klein
(Mathematician)
Felix Christian Klein
3
Birthdate: April 25, 1849
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Düsseldorf
Died: June 22, 1925

Felix Christian Klein was a German mathematician and educator remembered for his work on complex analysis, group theory, and non-Euclidean geometry. He is also popular for his work on the relationship between group theory and geometry. He is credited with teaching advanced courses to students like Gregorio Ricci-Curbastro, who went on to become a renowned mathematician in his own right.

 23 
Rudolf Clausius
(Physicist, University teacher, Mathematician, Theoretical physicist)
Rudolf Clausius
7
Birthdate: January 2, 1822
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Koszalin
Died: August 24, 1888

Rudolf Clausius was a German mathematician and physicist. He is credited with formulating the second law of thermodynamics; he is widely regarded as one of the principal founders of the science of thermodynamics. He taught physics at the Artillery and Engineering School in Berlin.

 24 
Nicholas of Cusa
(German Mathematician and Philosopher)
Nicholas of Cusa
7
Birthdate: 1401 AD
Birthplace: Bernkastel-Kues, Germany
Died: August 11, 1464

Nicholas of Cusa was a German mathematician, astronomer, jurist, theologian, and philosopher. One of the first supporters of Renaissance humanism in Germany, Nicholas of Cusa made significant political and spiritual contributions in European history. He is remembered for his efforts to reform the universal and Roman Church.

 25 
Leopold Kronecker
(Mathematician, University teacher)
Leopold Kronecker
7
Birthdate: December 7, 1823
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Legnica
Died: December 29, 1891

German mathematician Leopold Kronecker is best remembered for his pioneering work on the theory of equations and algebra. Interestingly, he wasn’t too keen on academic research initially and focused on his land business, while simultaneously pursuing math as a hobby. He could only focus on math after retiring at 30.

 26 
Maria Reiche
(German-Born Peruvian Mathematician and Archaeologist Who Studied the Nazca Lines)
Maria Reiche
7
Birthdate: May 15, 1903
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Dresden, Germany
Died: June 8, 1998

Celebrated German-born Peruvian mathematician, archaeologist, linguist, and astronomer Maria Reiche is remembered for her pioneering research on the Nazca lines. Nicknamed the Lady of the Lines, she was initially a governess and teacher in Peru. She later also became a founding-member of the non-profit organization South American Explorers.

 27 
August Ferdinand Möbius
August Ferdinand Möbius
3
Birthplace: Pforta

August Ferdinand Möbius was a German theoretical astronomer and mathematician. He is best remembered for his discovery of the Möbius strip, the simplest non-orientable surface. He is also remembered for introducing the Barycentric coordinate system. Several mathematical concepts like the Möbius transformations and the Möbius plane are named in his honor.

 28 
Gotthold Eisenstein
(Mathematician)
Gotthold Eisenstein
5
Birthdate: April 16, 1823
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Berlin, Germany
Died: October 11, 1852
 29 
Friedrich Bessel
(German Astronomer, Mathematician, Physicist, and Geodesist)
Friedrich Bessel
6
Birthdate: July 22, 1784
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Minden, Germany
Died: March 17, 1846

Friedrich Bessel was a German mathematician, astronomer, geodesist, and physicist. He was the first astronomer to use the method of parallax in order to determine the distance of a star from the sun. Bessel was a much-respected figure during his time. He was honored with the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society.

 30 
Pascual Jordan
(Former theoretical and mathematical physicist who made significant contributions to quantum mechanics and quantum field theory)
Pascual Jordan
6
Birthdate: October 18, 1902
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Hanover, Germany
Died: July 31, 1980
 31 
Edmund Landau
(Former Mathematician known for Distribution of prime numbers, Landau prime ideal theorem)
Edmund Landau
4
Birthdate: February 14, 1877
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Berlin, Germany
Died: February 19, 1938
 32 
Richard Courant
(German American Mathematician)
Richard Courant
6
Birthdate: January 8, 1888
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Lubliniec, Poland
Died: January 27, 1972
 33 
Carl Ludwig Siegel
(Mathematician)
Carl Ludwig Siegel
5
Birthdate: December 31, 1896
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Berlin, German Empire
Died: April 4, 1981
 34 
Felix Hausdorff
(German Mathematician)
Felix Hausdorff
4
Birthdate: November 8, 1868
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Wrocław, Poland
Died: January 26, 1942

While German mathematician Felix Hausdorff initially wished to become a musician, parental pressure led him to choose math. Considered one of the pioneers of modern topology, he made major contributions to set theory and functional analysis. He died of suicide, along with his wife and sister-in-law, instead of moving to a Nazi camp.

 35 
Ernst Zermelo
(Former Mathematician, Logician known for his role in developing Zermelo–Fraenkel axiomatic set theory and his proof of the well-ordering theorem)
Ernst Zermelo
4
Birthdate: July 27, 1871
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Berlin, Germany
Died: May 21, 1953
 36 
Hermann Grassmann
(German Polymath Best Known for His Work as a Mathematician)
Hermann Grassmann
5
Birthdate: April 15, 1809
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Szczecin, Poland
Died: September 26, 1877

Hermann Grassmann was a German polymath remembered for his work in linear algebra, although he wasn’t acknowledged as a mathematician for most part of his life. His work Die lineale Ausdehnungslehre, ein neuer Zweig der Mathematik was revolutionary in the field of mathematics and was far ahead of its time. During his lifetime, he was only known as a linguist.

 37 
Gerd Faltings
(Mathematician, University teacher)
Gerd Faltings
5
Birthdate: July 28, 1954
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Gelsenkirchen
 38 
Christina Pagel
(German-British Mathematician)
Christina Pagel
7
Birthplace: London, England
 39 
Lisa Sauermann
(Mathematician)
Lisa Sauermann
6
Birthdate: September 25, 1992
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Dresden, Saxony
 40 
Regiomontanus
(Mathematician & Astrologer Known for Founding the World’s First Scientific Printing Press and the First Trigonometric Tables)
Regiomontanus
4
Birthdate: June 6, 1436
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Königsberg, Germany
Died: July 6, 1476

Regiomontanus was an astrologer, astronomer, and mathematician of the German Renaissance. The development of Copernican heliocentrism was possible because of Regiomontanus' significant contributions to the field of astronomy. Regiomontanus is also credited with designing his own astrological house system which went on to become one of the most famous systems in Europe.

 41 
Ferdinand Georg Frobenius
(Mathematician)
Ferdinand Georg Frobenius
4
Birthdate: October 26, 1849
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Charlottenburg, Berlin, Germany
Died: August 3, 1917
 42 
Ferdinand von Lindemann
Ferdinand von Lindemann
3
Birthplace: Hanover
 43 
Christopher Clavius
(German Mathematician and Astronomer Who Was the Main Architect of the Modern 'Gregorian Calendar')
Christopher Clavius
4
Birthdate: March 25, 1538
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Bamberg, Germany
Died: February 6, 1612

Christopher Clavius was a Jesuit German astronomer and mathematician. Clavius was one of the members of the Vatican commission that gave a green signal to Aloysius Lilius' calendar which came to be known as the Gregorian calendar. He was one of Europe's most respected astronomers; his books were used for over 50 years for astronomical education in and around Europe.

 44 
Ernst Kummer
(Mathematician)
Ernst Kummer
3
Birthdate: January 29, 1810
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Żary, Poland
Died: May 14, 1893
 45 
Hermann Schwarz
(Mathematician)
Hermann Schwarz
2
Birthdate: January 25, 1843
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Jerzmanowa, Poland
Died: November 30, 1921
 46 
Rudolf Lipschitz
Rudolf Lipschitz
3
 47 
Julius Plücker
Julius Plücker
4
 48 
Johann Friedrich Pfaff
Johann Friedrich Pfaff
3
 49 
Wendelin Werner
(Mathematician)
Wendelin Werner
5
Birthdate: September 23, 1968
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Cologne, Germany
 50 
Klaus Roth
(Mathematician)
Klaus Roth
3
Birthdate: October 29, 1925
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Breslau, Province of Lower Silesia, Weimar Germany
Died: November 10, 2015