List of German Presidents and Chancellors by age facts for kids

Germany has two very important leadership roles: the President and the Chancellor. The President is like the head of state, representing the country, while the Chancellor is the head of government, leading the country's daily operations. This article explores how old these important German leaders were when they passed away. For those who are still alive today, their age is calculated up to July 23, 2025.

Germany's Presidents and Their Lifespans

Since 1919, Germany has had several Presidents. Some of these leaders lived for a very long time! Here are some of the Presidents who reached a great age:

• Walter Scheel was the longest-living President. He lived to be 97 years and 47 days old.
• Richard von Weizsäcker lived for 94 years and 291 days.
• Karl Dönitz was 89 years and 99 days old when he passed away.
• Paul von Hindenburg lived to be 86 years and 304 days old.
• Roman Herzog reached the age of 82 years and 280 days.

Some Presidents are still alive today. Their current ages are:

• Joachim Gauck is currently 85 years, 180 days old.
• Horst Köhler is 82 years, 151 days old.
• Frank-Walter Steinmeier is 69 years, 199 days old.
• Christian Wulff is 66 years, 34 days old.

The President who lived the shortest life was Friedrich Ebert. He was 54 years and 24 days old when he died.

Germany's Chancellors and Their Lifespans

Germany has had Chancellors since 1871. This role is similar to a prime minister in other countries. Many Chancellors also lived very long lives. Here are some of the Chancellors who lived the longest:

• Helmut Schmidt was the longest-living Chancellor. He lived for 96 years and 322 days.
• Konrad Adenauer reached the age of 91 years and 104 days.
• Lutz Schwerin von Krosigk lived for 89 years and 194 days.
• Franz von Papen was 89 years and 185 days old.
• Helmut Kohl lived to be 87 years and 74 days old.
• Heinrich Brüning passed away at 84 years and 124 days old.
• Kurt Georg Kiesinger was 83 years and 338 days old.
• Wilhelm Marx lived for 83 years and 202 days.
• Otto von Bismarck was 83 years and 120 days old.

Some Chancellors are still alive today. Their current ages are:

• Gerhard Schröder is 81 years, 107 days old.
• Angela Merkel is 71 years, 6 days old.

The Chancellor who lived the shortest life was Gustav Stresemann. He was 51 years and 146 days old when he died.