Angela Merkel

Angela Dorothea Merkel, who was born on July 17, 1954, in Hamburg, West Germany is a German politician. Her parents met in Hamburg, where her mother worked as an English and Latin teacher. Angela’s father was a student at the time. After her father completed his education, he accepted a pastoral position in Quitzow, Brandenburg and the family had to relocate to East Germany a few weeks after Merkel was born. In 1957 the family moved again to Templin where Merkel graduated from high school in 1973. Later that same year she went to Leipzig to pursue her studies in physics at Karl Marx University. We’ll help you celebrate Merkel’s birthday right here.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Angela Dorothea Kasner

Nickname:

Kasi

Birth date:

July 17, 1954

Age:

69

Zodiac Sign:

Cancer

Height:

5' 5"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$11 million

Angela's Social Media:

Background

Angela Merkel’s parents met in Hamburg, where her mother was a teacher of English and Latin and her father was a theology student. After her father completed his education, he accepted a pastoral position in Quitzow, Brandenburg and the family had to relocate to East Germany a few weeks after Merkel was born. In 1957, the family moved again to Templin where Merkel graduated from high school in 1973. Later the same year she went to Leipzig to pursue her studies in physics at Karl Marx University. It was at this university that she met her husband Ulrich Merkel who was also a physics student. After graduating with her diploma in 1978, she worked at the academic faculty of the Central Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences in East Berlin. Merkel and her husband divorced in 1982 but she decided to keep his last name.

Merkel was a member of the Young Practitioners and the Free German Youth from 1962 and 1968 respectively. Her association with the Free German Youth led to a controversy as her former colleagues at the institute claimed that she actively caused agitation and propaganda at the institute though Merkel responded that she was only responsible for cultural affairs. Merkel joined the Democratic Awakening in February 1989 after the fall of the Berlin Wall. She became the press spokesperson for the party in 1990. During that month a coalition was formed between the German Social Union (D.S.U.) and the Christian Democratic Union (C.D.U.).

A finance scandal hit the C.D.U. in late 1999 and Kohl was accused of the acceptance and use of illegal campaign proceeds. In a letter that was published on December 22, 1999, Merkel requested the party to make a fresh start in the absence of its honorary chairman, and this increased her popularity in the German Republic. Merkel wanted to stand as a candidate for chancellor in the 2002 elections however, a majority of the C.D.U. party preferred Edmund Stoiber of the Christian Social Union. And so, Merkel Became the leader of the opposition.

Career timeline

1989
The Beginning Of Her Political Career

Merkel joins the Democratic Awakening in February 1989 after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

1990
Spokesperson

She becomes the press spokesperson for the Democratic Awakening.

1999
Popularity

Merkel gains popularity after a finance scandal hits the C.D.U.

2002
The Leader Of Opposition

Merkel becomes the leader of the opposition, the Christian Social Union.

Why We Love Angela Merkel

  1. She speaks Russian

    Angela Merkel is well known for her proficiency in speaking the Russian language. She was awarded for her fluency in the language.

  2. She reformed German politics

    Angela Merkel transformed German politics. We love her tenacity and devotion to the ever-changing climate.

  3. She is a role model

    Merkel has been referred to as the “Iron Lady.” She was given this name for being a female politician and the first woman chancellor.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. Female Chancellor of Germany

    Angela Merkel is the first female Chancellor of Germany and the second person to hold that position for more than fifteen years in the history of Germany.

  2. She grew up in the communist east

    Angela Merkel is the first German politician to have grown up in East Germany, which was communist.

  3. She was awarded the most prestigious award

    Angela Merkel received The Grand Cross First Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.

  4. She was Awarded the Jawaharlal Nehru Award

    The government of India honored Angela Merkel with The Jawaharlal Nehru Award in 2009.

  5. She was Person of the Year

    Angela Merkel was “Time magazine's” Person of the Year in December 2015.

Angela Merkel FAQs

What is Angela Merkel famous for?

She is famous for being the first female chancellor of Germany.

How long did Angela Merkel serve?

Merkel served as the chancellor for sixteen years and sixteen days.

What religion is Angela Merkel?

She is a protestant Christian.

Angela Merkel’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2024July 17Wednesday
2025July 17Thursday
2026July 17Friday
2027July 17Saturday
2028July 17Monday

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