Famous German People

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 1 
Albert Einstein
(One of the Greatest Physicists of All Time, Best Known for Developing the Theory of Relativity)
Albert Einstein
210
Listed In: Scientists
Birthdate: March 14, 1879
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Ulm
Died: April 18, 1955
Deemed as the most influential physicist of the 20th century, the German-born physicist Albert Einstein was one of the greatest minds to have ever lived. Even his name is now synonymous with the term genius. The father of Modern Physics is credited with developing the theory of relativity and explaining the photoelectric effect. The latter won him the Nobel Prize.
 2 
Michael Schumacher
(German Formula One Racing Driver and 7-Time World Drivers' Championship Winner)
Michael Schumacher
118
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: January 3, 1969
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Hürth

With seven Formula One championship under his belt, Michael Schumacher is the most successful racer of Formula 1 and one of the greatest motor sports driver in the world. The retired German racer was the face of Ferrari for a decade and with his tremendous on track success also became one of best paid athletes in the sport’s history.

 3 
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
(One of the Greatest Composers in the History of Western Music)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
89
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: January 27, 1756
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Salzburg
Died: December 5, 1791

A child prodigy, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is regarded as one of the greatest classical composers ever. A prolific composer, he had a profound influence on Western music. Many of his works are considered pinnacles of choral, symphonic, operatic, chamber, and concertante music. Before his death, at the age of 35, he had composed over 600 works.

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 4 
Ludwig van Beethoven
(One of the Most Admired Composers and Pianists in the History of Western Music)
Ludwig van Beethoven
59
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: December 17, 1770
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Bonn
Died: March 26, 1827

German composer and pianist, Ludwig van Beethoven, remains one of the most admired composers in the history of Western music even two centuries after his death. Born into a musical family, he was initially tutored by his father. He found success early as a pianist and went on to become an admired composer despite suffering from hearing-impairment.

 5 
Karl Marx
(Philosopher & Economist - Famous for His Theory of 'Marxism' )
Karl Marx
120
Birthdate: May 5, 1818
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Trier
Died: March 14, 1883

Karl Marx, the philosopher, economist, political theorist and socialist revolutionary, is best-known for the 1848 pamphlet, The Communist Manifesto and the three-volume Das Kapital. His theories, called Marxism, maintained that class conflict leads to the development of human societies and that internal tension were inherent in capitalism, which would ultimately be replaced by the socialist mode of production.

 6 
Friedrich Nietzsche
(German Philosopher, Cultural Critic and Philologist)
Friedrich Nietzsche
48
Birthdate: October 15, 1844
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Röcken
Died: August 25, 1900

German philosopher, cultural critic, composer, and poet Friedrich Nietzsche has had a profound influence on modern intellectual history. He held the Chair of Classical Philology at the University of Basel. His work spanned philosophical polemics, poetry, cultural criticism, and fiction. He suffered from numerous health problems from a young age and died at the age of 55.

 7 
Charlemagne
(1st Emperor of the Romans from 800 to 814)
Charlemagne
54
Birthdate: April 2, 0747
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Aachen
Died: January 28, 0814

Also known as Charles the Great, Charlemagne ruled as the king of the Franks, king of the Lombards, and emperor of the Romans at different time periods. Not surprisingly, he had a major impact during the Early Middle Ages as he went about uniting the majority of central and western Europe, for which he is called the Father of Europe.

 8 
Martin Luther
(German Theologian, Religious Reformer and Key Figure in Protestant Reformation)
Martin Luther
51
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: November 10, 1483
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Eisleben
Died: February 18, 1546

German monk Martin Luther challenged the dogmas of Roman Catholicism and the authority of the pope, in his Ninety-five Theses, and was thus excommunicated. His German translation of the Bible enriched the German culture, and his marriage set an example for clerical marriage. His teachings are now known as Lutherans.

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 9 
Angela Merkel
(First Female Chancellor of Germany (2005 - 2021))
Angela Merkel
124
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: July 17, 1954
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Hamburg

The current chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel is widely described as the world's most powerful woman. Also considered the de facto leader of the European Union (EU), Angela Merkel has played an important role in strengthening international trade agreements. In 2020, she was named in Time magazine's list of 100 Most Influential People.

 10 
Heidi Klum
(The First German Model to Become a Victoria's Secret Angel)
Heidi Klum
76
Listed In: Fashion
Birthdate: June 1, 1973
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Bergisch Gladbach

German-American model and TV host, Heidi Klum has been featured on the cover of French, Portuguese, German, and Spanish Vogue magazines. She was the first German model to become a Victoria's Secret Angel. After a successful modeling career, she became a TV host in the 2000s. She is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors. 

 11 
Christoph Waltz
(Best Known for His Academy Award Winning Roles in the Films: ‘Inglourious Basterds’ and 'Django Unchained')
Christoph Waltz
56
Birthdate: October 4, 1956
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Vienna
Christoph Waltz is best known for his Academy Award-winning performances as Colonel Hans Landa in Inglourious Basterds and Dr. King Schultz in Django Unchained, both by Quentin Tarantino. Waltz had begun as a stage and TV actor in Germany. Some of his other notable projects are Spectre and Big Eyes.
 12 
Hans Zimmer
(Film Score Composer and Music Producer Known for His Work in the Films: ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Dune’)
Hans Zimmer
29
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: September 12, 1957
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Frankfurt

German film score composer and record producer Hans Zimmer has composed music for over 150 films so far. He developed a love for music as a child and started playing professionally when he was in his teens. He eventually ventured into films. He is the recipient of four Grammy Awards and three Classical BRIT Awards.

 13 
Johann Sebastian Bach
(One of the Greatest Composers of All Time)
Johann Sebastian Bach
22
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: March 31, 1685
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Eisenach
Died: July 28, 1750

Johann Sebastian Bach was an 18-th century German composer of the Baroque period. He redefined both church and secular music. He served as the court musician of Duke Johann Ernst and King Augustus III. He created more than 300 cantatas and vocal music such as Mass in B minor.

 14 
Sebastian Vettel
(German Racing Driver Who Competed in Formula One from 2007 to 2022)
Sebastian Vettel
25
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: July 3, 1987
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Heppenheim

Widely considered one of the greatest drivers in Formula One history, Sebastian Vettel holds a number of records, including most podium finishes and most consecutive race wins. Sebastian has a unique habit of naming his cars as he feels it is important to share a close relationship with the cars that he drives.

 15 
Otto von Bismarck
(Chancellor of the German Empire (1871 - 1890))
Otto von Bismarck
35
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: April 1, 1815
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Schönhausen
Died: July 30, 1898
Otto von Bismarck was a German statesman. Bismarck is credited with masterminding the unification of Germany and served as its first chancellor. He is also credited with creating the first modern welfare state in the world. Regarded as a hero by German nationalists, Otto von Bismarck's life has inspired a couple of TV series.
 16 
Wilhelm II
(German Emperor and King of Prussia (1888 - 1918))
Wilhelm II
29
Birthdate: January 27, 1859
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Berlin
Died: June 4, 1941

Wilhelm II reigned as the King of Prussia and German emperor from 1888 to 1918. He is credited with promoting scientific innovation and building a blue-water navy, which strengthened Germany’s position as a great power. However, he was also responsible for getting his country involved in World War I, which eventually brought an end to the Hohenzollern dynasty’s rule.

 17 
Immanuel Kant
(One of the Greatest Philosophers of All Time)
Immanuel Kant
17
Birthdate: April 22, 1724
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Königsberg
Died: February 12, 1804

Immanuel Kant was a German philosopher whose works in fields like aesthetics and metaphysics have made him an important and influential personality in Western philosophy. His views continue to influence contemporary philosophy. Kant has had a major influence on prominent philosophers like Hegel, Schelling, Reinhold, and Fichte. Kant's work on mathematics is cited by Albert Einstein as an early influence.

 18 
Karl Lagerfeld
(Famous as the Creative Director of the French Fashion House 'Chanel')
Karl Lagerfeld
26
Listed In: Fashion
Birthdate: September 10, 1933
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Hamburg
Died: February 19, 2019
German fashion magnate Karl Lagerfeld, son of businessman Otto Lagerfeld, had served as the creative director of Chanel and Fendi. He was also a talented photographer and caricaturist, and had a penchant for collecting books. He was known for his signature sunglasses, white hair, fingerless gloves, and detachable collars.  
 19 
Steffi Graf
(One of the Greatest Tennis Players of All Time)
Steffi Graf
45
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 14, 1969
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Mannheim
Known for her footwork and forehand drive, former world number one tennis star Steffi Graf has won 22 Grand Slam titles, the third all-time record. She became the first player to win four Grand Slams and the Olympic gold in a year. She is married to fellow player Andre Agassi.
 20 
Marlene Dietrich
(Actress and Singer)
Marlene Dietrich
44
Birthdate: December 27, 1901
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Schöneberg
Died: May 6, 1992
Marlene Dietrich initially performed on stage in Berlin and then shot to fame with The Blue Angel. She continued to rule Hollywood with films such as Morocco, Desire, and Shanghai Express. She helped German and French exiles during World War II. Openly bisexual, she was famous for her androgynous image.
 21 
Richard Wagner
(Known for His Operas and Music Dramas ‘Der Ring des Nibelungen’ and ‘Tristan und Isolde’)
Richard Wagner
34
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: May 22, 1813
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Leipzig
Died: February 13, 1883
German composer and conductor Richard Wagner is best remembered for his operas and music dramas. He explored the concept of Gesamtkunstwerk, which combined many forms of art, including the visual, poetic, and musical. He also established the opera house Bayreuth Festspielhaus, which hosted his works The Ring and Parsifal.
 22 
Manuel Neuer
(German Professional Football Player Who Plays as a Goalkeeper)
Manuel Neuer
30
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: March 27, 1986
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Gelsenkirchen

Considered one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, Manuel Neuer is a German football player. He is the captain of German national team as well as his club Bayern Munich. Described as a sweeper-keeper due to his unique playing style, Neuer was part of the German team that won the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He was adjudged the best goalkeeper of the decade from 2011 to 2020 by IFFHS.

 23 
Dirk Nowitzki
(Former German Basketball Player and One of the Greatest Power Forwards of All Time)
Dirk Nowitzki
25
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 19, 1978
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Würzburg
The 7-foot-tall former Dallas Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki led his team to 15 NBA play-offs, including their only NBA championship, in 2011. He is the only player to continue with a single NBA team for 21 seasons and first European-born to be the NBA Finals MVP.
 24 
Jackson Browne
(Singer-Songwriter Known for His Songs )
Jackson Browne
19
Listed In: Activists
Birthdate: October 9, 1948
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Heidelberg
Six-time Grammy-nominated rock singer Jackson Browne has sold more than 18 million albums in the U.S. Best known for his hits These Days, Running on Empty, and Doctor My Eyes, he was featured on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time. The MUSE founder is an avid environmentalist, too.
 25 
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
(Novelist Best Known for 'The Sorrows of Young Werther', the First Novel of The Sturm Und Drang Movement)
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
24
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: August 28, 1749
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Goethe House
Died: March 22, 1832

Regarded as the greatest literary figure in Germany's modern era, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a statesman and writer. Apart from writing poetry and prose, he also wrote treatises on color, anatomy, and botany. Thanks to his literary genius, Goethe was made part of the Duke's privy council in Weimar and he implemented several reforms at the University of Jena.

 26 
Charles Bukowski
(Poet and Author Known for His Work “Mockingbird Wish Me Luck,” and “Love Is a Dog from Hell”)
Charles Bukowski
15
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: August 16, 1920
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Andernach
Died: March 9, 1994

German-American poet and short story writer ,Charles Bukowski, addressed the ordinary lives of poor Americans in most of his works. Since his death, he has been the subject of many critical books and articles. His stories have inspired several films like Tales of Ordinary Madness, Crazy Love, and Factotum.

 27 
Erwin Rommel
(General)
Erwin Rommel
97
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: November 15, 1891
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Heidenheim an der Brenz
Died: October 14, 1944

Known as The Desert Fox, Nazi field marshal Erwin Rommel led the Axis forces during World War II. For his plot to assassinate Hitler in 1944, he was given a choice to either commit suicide by consuming a cyanide pill or face a trial and execution. He chose the former.

 28 
Werner Heisenberg
(German Theoretical Physicist and One of the Main Pioneers of the Theory of Quantum Mechanics)
Werner Heisenberg
12
Listed In: Scientists
Birthdate: December 5, 1901
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Würzburg
Died: February 1, 1976
German theoretical physicist Werner Heisenberg is best known for pioneering quantum mechanics. He received the 1932 Nobel Prize in Physics. He had also helped Germany plan nuclear weapon strategies during World War II and was the director of what is now known as the Max Planck Institute for Physics.
 29 
Werner Herzog
(German Film Director Regarded as a Pioneer of 'New German Cinema')
Werner Herzog
11
Birthdate: September 5, 1942
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Munich
Werner Herzog, one of the prominent figures of the New German Cinema era, has directed films such as Fitzcarraldo and Aguirre, and documentaries such as Grizzly Man. Named to TIME 100, he has written countless books and directed many operas. He was also seen playing The Client in The Mandalorian.
 30 
Carl F. Gauss
(One of the Greatest Mathematicians of All Tim)
Carl F. Gauss
18
Listed In: Scientists
Birthdate: April 30, 1777
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Brunswick
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.

 31 
Johannes Gutenberg
(German Inventor and Printer Who Introduced Printing to Europe With His Mechanical Movable-Type Printing Press)
Johannes Gutenberg
11
Birthdate: 1400 AD
Birthplace: Mainz
Died: February 3, 1468

Credit goes to Johannes Gutenberg for transforming book-making from manuscripts to the printed form as he introduced the movable-type printing press in the 15th century. The German printer and publisher’s invention contributed to mass communication during the Renaissance. He was not successful in his business and was exiled during the later years of his life.  He was also a goldsmith.

 32 
Angelique Kerber
(German Professional Tennis Player and Olympic Silver Medalist)
Angelique Kerber
21
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: January 18, 1988
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Bremen

Winning her first Grand Slam at 28, Angelique Kerber is an example of a talented later bloomer in tennis. The former World No. 1 German player is known for her defensive tactics, speed, and footwork. She blamed a 2-week COVID-related quarantine for her loss at the 2021 Australian Open.

 33 
Arthur Schopenhauer
(German Philosopher Best Known for His Work ‘The World as Will and Representation’)
Arthur Schopenhauer
17
Birthdate: February 22, 1788
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Gdańsk
Died: September 21, 1860

Arthur Schopenhauer was a German philosopher. He was among the first Western philosophers to affirm important tenets of Indian philosophy, such as denial of the self and asceticism. Schopenhauer's work has had a tremendous posthumous impact on disciplines like science, literature, and philosophy. His work influenced personalities like Albert Einstein, Ludwig Wittgenstein, Sigmund Freud, George Bernard Shaw, and Leo Tolstoy. 

 34 
George Frideric Handel
(German-British Composer Known for His Works: ‘Water Music’ and ‘Music for the Royal Fireworks’)
George Frideric Handel
17
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: February 23, 1685
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Halle (Saale)
Died: April 14, 1759

George Frideric Handel was a Baroque composer renowned for his oratorios, operas, anthems, and organ concertos. A great composer, Handel's works had a strong influence on popular Classical-era composers like Beethoven and Mozart. George Frideric Handel's life and work have also inspired several films, such as the 1942 British biographical film The Great Mr. Handel.

 35 
Claudia Schiffer
(German Supermodel and Actress)
Claudia Schiffer
27
Listed In: Fashion
Birthdate: August 25, 1970
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Rheinberg
In 2020, Claudia Schiffer stunned fans with an Instagram picture in a lacy blue gown on her 50th birthday, looking not any less desirable than a 20-something. The German model had earlier soared to fame as the face of Chanel and has graced the cover of American Vogue 16 times.
 36 
Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel
(One of the Most Important Figures in German Idealism)
Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel
24
Birthdate: August 27, 1770
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Stuttgart
Died: November 14, 1831
German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel worked on ideas such as absolute idealism; the philosophy of spirit, or Geist; and the master–slave dialectic. His views influenced later thinkers and intellectuals, such as Karl Popper and Karl Marx, with the latter using Hegel’s views on the civil society.
 37 
Johannes Kepler
(Astronomer Best Known for his Laws of Plantery Motion)
Johannes Kepler
21
Listed In: Scientists
Birthdate: December 27, 1571
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Weil der Stadt
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.

 38 
Max Weber
(Sociologist)
Max Weber
11
Listed In: Lawyers & Judges
Birthdate: April 21, 1864
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Erfurt
Died: June 14, 1920

Max Weber was a German historian, political economist, jurist, and sociologist. Widely regarded as one of the most influential and important theorists, Weber's ideas had a profound influence on social research and social theory. Although he did not see himself as a sociologist, Weber is often counted among the fathers of sociology alongside Émile Durkheim, Auguste Comte, and Karl Marx.

 39 
Nico Rosberg
(Formula One Racing Driver)
Nico Rosberg
38
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 27, 1985
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Wiesbaden

The son of former Formula One world champion Keke Rosberg, Nico Rosberg followed in his father's footsteps to win the 2016 Formula One world championship. After announcing his retirement as a racing driver, Nico Rosberg became an eco-entrepreneur, helping with the construction of self-autonomous and electric vehicles. Rosberg has also worked with charities like Viva con Agua de Sankt Pauli.

 40 
Johannes Brahms
(One of the Romantic Period's Most Revered and Popular Composers)
Johannes Brahms
4
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: May 7, 1833
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Hamburg
Died: April 3, 1897
German composer, conductor, and pianist Johannes Brahms is considered as one of the "Three Bs" of music, the other two being Bach and Beethoven. He was known for his perfectionism. Some of his best-known works are Saint Anthony Variations and A German Requiem. His work mingled traditional and modern elements.
 41 
Alexander Zverev
(German Professional Tennis Player)
Alexander Zverev
33
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: April 20, 1997
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Hamburg

Alexander Zverev is a German tennis player. He won the 2018 ATP Finals, becoming the youngest champion at the year-end championship in 10 years. Zverev won the gold medal in the singles event at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Alexander Zverev's backhand play is often regarded as one of the best in the game.

 42 
Paul von Hindenburg
(President of Germany (1925-1934))
Paul von Hindenburg
11
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: October 2, 1847
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Poznań
Died: August 2, 1934
Paul von Hindenburg served as the second president of the German Weimar Republic, from 1925 to 1934. In 1933, he appointed Adolf Hitler as the Chancellor of Germany, and also signed the Enabling Act, which gave Hitler total administrative powers. Following his death, Hitler declared himself the Führer.
 43 
Franz Beckenbauer
(One of the Greatest Football Players in the History of the Sport)
Franz Beckenbauer
22
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: September 11, 1945
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Munich
Died: January 7, 2024
German former footballer Franz Beckenbauer spent most of his career with Bayern Munich, winning championships such as the European Cup. He won the World Cup for West Germany twice, first as a player in 1974 and then as a manager in 1990. He was also a Sky Germany analyst.
 44 
Miroslav Klose
(German Former Football Player Who Played as a Striker)
Miroslav Klose
21
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 9, 1978
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Opole
Born to a footballer father and a handball player mother, Polish-born German striker Miroslav Klose soared to fame with clubs such as Bayern Munich and Lazio. Germany has won all games in which Klose has scored. Germany’s all-time top goal-scorer, Klose scored 5 goals in his first World Cup itself.
 45 
Hannah Arendt
(One of the Most Influential Political Theorists of the 20th Century)
Hannah Arendt
6
Birthdate: October 14, 1906
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Linden - Mitte
Died: December 4, 1975

Hannah Arendt was a political theorist. Widely regarded as one of the 20th century's most prominent political thinkers, Hannah Arendt's articles and books have had a significant influence on philosophy and political theory. Her life and work inspired the 2012 biographical drama film, Hannah Arendt. Her work has also inspired several biographies written by popular authors.

 46 
Gerd Müller
(One of the Greatest Football Goal Scorers of All Time)
Gerd Müller
26
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: November 3, 1945
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Nördlingen
Died: August 15, 2021
German footballer Gerd Müller, also known as "Bomber der Nation," had a successful stint with Bayern Munich. His score of 85 goals in a single year was broken by Lionel Messi after 4 decades. He scored the winning goal for West Germany in the 1974 FIFA World Cup.
 47 
Bertolt Brecht
(Theatre Practitioner, Playwright, and Poet Known for His Plays: ‘The Threepenny Opera’ and ‘Life of Galileo’)
Bertolt Brecht
19
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: February 10, 1898
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Augsburg
Died: August 14, 1956

German playwright, poet, and theater director, Bertolt Brecht, is best known for co-writing the play, The Threepenny Opera, with Kurt Weill. Growing up in war-torn Germany in the early 20th century, he had a difficult life. A hardcore Marxist, he lived in exile during the Nazi period. He returned to Germany after the war and established a theater company.

 48 
Martin Heidegger
(One of the Most Important and Influential Philosophers of the 20th Century)
Martin Heidegger
5
Birthdate: September 26, 1889
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Messkirch
Died: May 26, 1976
German philosopher Martin Heidegger was one of the greatest philosophers of the 20th century and is remembered for his work on phenomenology, existentialism, and hermeneutics. He explained his ideas in his book Being and Time. He also introduced the concept of Dasein, or “being,” characteristic of human beings.
 49 
Max Planck
(German Theoretical Physicist and Originator of 'Quantum Theory')
Max Planck
9
Listed In: Scientists
Birthdate: April 23, 1858
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Kiel
Died: October 4, 1947

German theoretical physicist Max Planck is remembered for originating the quantum theory of physics, which earned him the 1918 Nobel Prize in Physics. He laid down concepts such as the Planck constant and the Planck postulate. The Kaiser Wilhelm Society was later renamed Max Planck Society in his honor.

 50 
Albrecht Durer
(German High Renaissance Painter Best Known for His Work ‘Meisterstiche’)
Albrecht Durer
12
Birthdate: May 21, 1471
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Nuremberg
Died: April 6, 1528

Albrecht Durer was a German painter, theorist, and printmaker of the German Renaissance. During his 20s, Durer established his reputation as a popular printmaker across Europe, thanks to his high-quality woodcut prints. His popularity enabled him to work with major Italian artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Giovanni Bellini, and Raphael. Albrecht Durer also influenced generations of artists, especially in printmaking.

Over the centuries Germans have kept alive their tradition of actively enriching the world history through their philosophical theories, military contributions, literary pursuits, and technological advancements. In fact, Germany boasts of having had more Nobel Prizes in the sciences than any other nation in the 20th century. Germany is also home to some of the most beautiful and talented people who adorn the field of fine arts, theatre and films. Browse this section to read all about the famous Germans who helped shape the world.