Who Is Frank-Walter Steinmeier? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Frank-Walter Steinmeier was born on January 5, 1956, which makes him 69 years old as of 2025. He is a prominent German politician who has served as the President of Germany since 2017. Steinmeier, a member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), previously held various significant positions, including Minister for Foreign Affairs. His leadership during crucial historical moments has solidified his reputation as a skilled diplomat and influential leader.
Occupation | Politician |
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Date of Birth | January 5, 1956 |
Age | 69 Years |
Birth Place | Detmold, North Rhine-Westphalia, West Germany |
Horoscope | Capricorn |
Country | Germany |
Popularity
Frank-Walter Steinmeier's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Frank-Walter Steinmeier stands approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) and weighs around 170 pounds (77 kg). He maintains a healthy lifestyle, which contributes to his vitality and active engagement in political affairs, even at 69 years old. His physical presence often reflects his commanding persona in political discussions and public appearances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Frank-Walter Steinmeier is currently married to his long-time wife, Elke Büdenbender. The couple has been together since 1995 and shares a deep bond. They do not have a publicly known boyfriend or girlfriend, as Steinmeier has been committed to his marriage. The couple frequently attends public events together and demonstrates a united front in supporting each other’s careers.
Although his full name is Frank-Walter, his friends call him Frank. His father, a carpenter, was affiliated with the Church of Lippe (one of Germany's few Calvinist regional church bodies, and a member church of the Protestant Church of Germany).
His mother, born in Breslau (now Wrocław, Poland), came as a refugee from a Lutheran part of Silesia during the flight and expulsion of Germans after World War II.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Frank-Walter Steinmeier's estimated net worth is approximately $5 million. His income primarily derives from his presidential salary, which is publicly accessible and reflects his high-ranking position in German politics. The salary is supplemented by various allowances and benefits related to his official duties.
In 2004, Steinmeier participated in diplomatic negotiations settling on compensation payments with Libya for victims of the 1986 terrorist bombing of the LaBelle disco in Berlin.
Career, Business, and Investments
Steinmeier's career spans more than three decades in politics. He started as a lawyer before venturing into the political arena. Over the years, he has held several influential positions, including Deputy Chief of Staff to the Chancellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs. As President, he focuses on key issues such as climate change, social cohesion, and European unity. While he is not known for personal business ventures, Steinmeier has made impactful investments in social initiatives and organizational collaborations aimed at enhancing Germany's international standing.
Steinmeier is a member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), holds a doctorate in law and was formerly a career civil servant. He was a close aide of Gerhard Schröder when Schröder was minister-president of Lower Saxony during most of the 1990s, and served as Schröder's chief of staff from 1996.
When Schröder became Chancellor of Germany in 1998, Steinmeier was appointed Under-Secretary of State in the German Chancellery with responsibility for the intelligence services. From 1999 to 2005 he served as Chief of Staff of the Chancellery.
Social Network
Frank-Walter Steinmeier is active on several social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook, where he engages with citizens and promotes various initiatives. As a public figure, he uses these channels to share updates on national policies, engage in cultural dialogues, and connect with younger generations. His social media presence allows him to maintain transparency and foster better communication between the government and the public.
Pressed by lawmakers to say more on his attitude toward Russia in the wake of the high-profile murders of opposition figures Anna Politkovskaya and Alexander Litvinenko at a January 2007 hearing at the European Parliament, Steinmeier stated that "[t]here is a certain trend toward [media] hysterics and one needs to get a sense of reason back into the debate".
Education
Frank-Walter Steinmeier pursued his education at the University of Giessen, where he earned a degree in law. He later obtained his doctorate in 1991, specializing in political science. His educational background laid the foundation for his extensive career in German and international politics. Steinmeier’s academic insight continues to influence his policymaking approach, ensuring it is grounded in rigorous analysis and empirical evidence.
Following his Abitur, Steinmeier did his military service from 1974 to 1976, then studied law and political science at the Justus Liebig University Giessen, where Brigitte Zypries was a fellow student. In 1982 he passed his first and in 1986 his second state examination in law.
Steinmeier worked as a scientific assistant to the professor of public law and political science at Giessen University until he obtained his doctorate of law in 1991. His dissertation explored the state's role in preventing homelessness.