Famous German Lyricists & Songwriters

Vote for Your Favourite German Lyricists & Songwriters

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 1 
Kim Petras
(German Pop Singer and Songwriter)
Kim Petras
3
Birthdate: August 27, 1992
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Cologne, Germany

Kim Petras is a German singer-songwriter currently based in USA. She was assigned male at birth and underwent medical gender transition as a teenager. Interested in music from a young age, she began recording music as a teenager. Her debut single topped several viral music charts on Spotify. Since then, she has released many hit albums and singles. 

 2 
Nico
(Singer Know for Her Song 'The Velvet Underground's' debut album 'The Velvet Underground & Nico')
Nico
3
Birthdate: October 16, 1938
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Cologne, Germany
Died: July 18, 1988

Nico was a German musician, singer, and songwriter. Her work continues to serve as an inspiration to several musicians like Björk, Morrissey, and the English rock band The Cure. In 2017, Susanna Nicchiarelli directed Nico's biographical film titled Nico, 1988. Also an actress, Nico appeared in many films, including Andy Warhol's experimental underground film Chelsea Girls.

 3 
Zedd
(DJ & Record Producer Best Known for His Song 'Clarity')
Zedd
5
Birthdate: September 2, 1989
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Saratov, Russia

Zedd is a Russian-German songwriter, record producer, and DJ. He is best known for his 2012 single, Clarity, which earned him a Grammy Award in 2014 after peaking at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Although he mainly performs and produces electro house music, Zedd also draws inspiration from dubstep, progressive house, and classical music.

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 4 
Bill Kaulitz
(Singer-Songwriter and Lead Singer of Pop Rock Band 'Tokio Hotel')
Bill Kaulitz
3
Birthdate: September 1, 1989
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Leipzig, Germany
German singer and LGBT icon Bill Kaulitz, also known as Billy, gained fame as the lead vocalist of the band Tokio Hotel, which has released chartbusting tracks such as Monsoon. He began his solo career with the debut I’m Not OK. A strict vegetarian, he has campaigned for PETA, too.
 5 
Nena
(German Singer-Songwriter Best Known as the Lead Singer of the Band 'Nena')
Nena
3
Birthdate: March 24, 1960
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Hagen, Germany

German singer/songwriter Gabriele Susanne Kerner, better known as Nena, soared to international fame with the hit 99 Luftballons. Known for her energetic performances, Nena is also a mother of four and has co-founded the Neue Schule Hamburg school, based on the American Sudbury model of education.

 6 
Lena Meyer-Landrut
(German Singer Best Known as the Winner of the 'Eurovision Song Contest 2010' for Her Song 'Satellite')
Lena Meyer-Landrut
3
Birthdate: May 3, 1991
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Hanover, Germany

Lena Meyer-Landrut is a German singer-songwriter who rose to fame after participating in the Eurovision Song Contest 2010. Her debut album peaked at No.1 in Germany and was accredited Platinum. She has since released many hit albums and singles. Besides singing, she has also served as a coach on five seasons of the reality TV series The Voice Kids.  

 7 
Frank Farian
(German Singer-Songwriter and Founder of 1970s Disco-Pop Group ‘Boney M')
Frank Farian
3
Birthdate: July 18, 1941
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Kirn, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

German record producer Frank Farian founded iconic pop groups such as Boney M. and No Mercy. He was accused of showcasing attractive dancers as members of Milli Vanilli, while others had actually sung the songs. He has also been associated with groups such as La Bouche and Eruption.

 8 
Michael Schenker
(German Guitarist)
Michael Schenker
3
Birthdate: January 10, 1955
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Sarstedt, Lower Saxony, Germany
 9 
Matthias Schweighofer
(Actor)
Matthias Schweighofer
2
Birthdate: March 11, 1981
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Anklam, Germany

Matthias Schweighofer is a German actor, film director, voice actor, and producer. Over the course of his career, Schweighofer has received several prestigious awards like the German Television Prize, Adolf Grimme Award, and Bavarian Film Award. Matthias Schweighofer is also a fashion enthusiast; he is credited with co-founding a fashion label named German Garment along with television presenter Joko Winterscheidt.

 10 
Jennifer Rush
(American Singer)
Jennifer Rush
3
Birthdate: September 28, 1960
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
 11 
Klaus Nomi
(German Countertenor Known for His Wide Vocal Range and an Unusual, Otherworldly Stage Persona)
Klaus Nomi
2
Birthdate: January 24, 1944
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Immenstadt, Germany
Died: August 6, 1983

Klaus Nomi was a German countertenor with a wide vocal range. He wore heavy makeup, unusual costumes, and a highly stylized signature hairdo. He had an otherworldly stage persona that was unique to him. His music was also considered unusual. He suffered from AIDS and was one of the earliest musicians known to die of the illness.  

 12 
Caroline Vreeland
(German-American Actress, Singer-Songwriter, Model, and Columnist)
Caroline Vreeland
2
Birthdate: October 26, 1987
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Washington, D.C, United States
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 13 
Dieter Bohlen
(German Songwriter and Music Producer Best Known for Being a Part of the Group 'Modern Talking')
Dieter Bohlen
3
Birthdate: February 7, 1954
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Berne, Germany

German singer/songwriter Dieter Bohlen redefined the Eurobeat in the 1980s and is also known as the Pop-Titan. He formed the duo Modern Talking with Thomas Anders, creating international superhits such as Brother Louie. He later went solo as Blue System, releasing hits such as Gangster Love, before rejoining Modern Talking.

 14 
Meshell Ndegeocello
(German-born American Rapper, Singer-Songwriter, and Bassist)
Meshell Ndegeocello
2
Birthdate: August 29, 1968
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Berlin, Germany
 15 
Florian Schneider
(Musician)
Florian Schneider
2
Birthdate: April 7, 1947
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Düsseldorf, Germany
Died: April 21, 2020
 16 
Sarah Connor
(Singer-songwriter)
Sarah Connor
2
Birthdate: June 13, 1980
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Delmenhorst, Germany
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 17 
Matthias Jabs
(German Songwriter and Guitarist)
Matthias Jabs
2
Birthdate: October 25, 1955
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Hanover, Germany
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 18 
Mark Forster
(Singer-songwriter)
Mark Forster
2
Birthdate: January 11, 1983
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Kaiserslautern, Germany
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 19 
Doro
(Singer)
Doro
2
Birthdate: June 3, 1964
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Düsseldorf, Germany
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
 20 
Zoe Wees
(Singer-songwriter)
Zoe Wees
3
Birthdate: May 13, 2002
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Hamburg, Germany

German singer-songwriter Zoe Wees soared to fame with her debut single, Control, which detailed her struggle with epilepsy. She followed it up with Girls Like Us. Raised by her mother, she first experimented with music as a child and often wrote her songs in English instead of German.

 21 
Marian Gold
(Singer-songwriter)
Marian Gold
2
Birthdate: May 26, 1954
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Herford, Germany
 22 
Michael Kiske
(Singer)
Michael Kiske
2
Birthdate: January 24, 1968
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Hamburg, Germany
 23 
Jen Majura
(German Musician)
Jen Majura
2
Birthdate: June 16, 1983
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Stuttgart, Germany
 24 
Kai Hansen
(German Musician)
Kai Hansen
2
Birthdate: January 17, 1963
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Hamburg, Germany
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 25 
Mandy Capristo
(Singer-songwriter)
Mandy Capristo
2
Birthdate: March 21, 1990
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Mannheim, Germany
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
 26 
Nico Santos
(Singer)
Nico Santos
2
Birthdate: January 7, 1993
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Bremen, Germany
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 27 
Roosevelt
(Singer)
Roosevelt
2
Birthdate: September 29, 1990
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Viersen, Germany
 28 
Xavier Naidoo
(Singer-songwriter)
Xavier Naidoo
2
Birthdate: October 2, 1971
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Mannheim, Germany
 29 
Peter Schilling
(Musician)
Peter Schilling
2
Birthdate: January 28, 1956
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Stuttgart, Germany
 30 
Dean Reed
(Actor)
Dean Reed
2
Birthdate: September 22, 1938
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Denver, Colorado, United States
Died: June 13, 1986
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 31 
Bibi Bourelly
(Known for having written several Rihanna songs including 'Bitch Better Have My Money' and 'Higher')
Bibi Bourelly
0
Birthdate: July 14, 1994
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Berlin, Germany
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 32 
Jannine Weigel
(Singer)
Jannine Weigel
2
Birthdate: July 30, 2000
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Steinfurt, Germany
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 33 
Herman Rarebell
(Musician)
Herman Rarebell
2
Birthdate: November 18, 1949
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Saarbrücken, Germany
 34 
Hansi Kürsch
(German Songwriter, Singer, and Former Bass Guitarist)
Hansi Kürsch
2
Birthdate: August 10, 1966
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Lank-Latum, Germany
 35 
Nadja Benaissa
(Singer)
Nadja Benaissa
2
Birthdate: April 26, 1982
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Frankfurt, Germany
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 36 
Mille Petrozza
(German Musician and Songwriter)
Mille Petrozza
2
Birthdate: December 18, 1967
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Essen, Germany
 37 
Peter Maffay
(The Singer with the Most Number of Chart-Topping Albums in Germany)
Peter Maffay
1
Birthdate: August 30, 1949
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Brașov, Romania

With 15 albums that have topped the German music charts, Romanian-born German musician Peter Maffay, holds the German record for the highest number of no. 1 albums. He excelled in both rock and schlager and created the media franchise Tabaluga that featured a green dragon. He also launched a foundation for abused children.

 38 
Ottmar Liebert
(German Guitarist, Producer, and Songwriter)
Ottmar Liebert
1
Birthdate: February 1, 1959
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Cologne, Germany
 39 
Michael Schulte
(Singer)
Michael Schulte
2
Birthdate: April 30, 1990
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Eckernförde, Germany
 40 
Oliver Palotai
(Musician)
Oliver Palotai
1
Birthdate: March 17, 1974
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Germany
 41 
Tim Bendzko
(Singer-songwriter)
Tim Bendzko
2
Birthdate: April 9, 1985
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Berlin, Germany
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 42 
Andreas Bourani
(Singer-songwriter)
Andreas Bourani
2
Birthdate: November 2, 1983
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Augsburg, Germany
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 43 
Tobias Sammet
(Musician)
Tobias Sammet
2
Birthdate: November 21, 1977
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Fulda, Germany
 44 
Sandy Molling
(Singer)
Sandy Molling
2
Birthdate: April 27, 1981
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Wuppertal, West Germany
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
 45 
Andi Deris
(Singer)
Andi Deris
2
Birthdate: August 18, 1964
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Karlsruhe, Germany
 46 
Ayo
(Singer-Songwriter)
Ayo
2
Birthdate: September 14, 1980
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Frechen, Germany
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 47 
Wolf Biermann
(Singer-songwriter)
Wolf Biermann
1
Birthdate: November 15, 1936
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Hamburg, Germany

German singer-songwriter Wolf Biermann caused massive protests among the German public after his 1976 expatriation from the German Democratic Republic. His communist ideals and political theater caused him to be banned in East Germany. His East German citizenship, too, was revoked. His song Ermutigung talks about his struggles.

 48 
Max Giesinger
(Singer-songwriter)
Max Giesinger
1
Birthdate: October 3, 1988
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Waldbronn, Germany
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 49 
Michael Weikath
(Musician)
Michael Weikath
1
Birthdate: August 7, 1962
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Hamburg, Germany
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
 50 
Lian Ross
(Singer)
Lian Ross
1
Birthdate: December 8, 1962
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Hamburg, Germany