Famous German Activists

Sophie Scholl was a German student and anti-Nazi political activist who was active within the White Rose non-violent resistance group in Nazi Germany. She was convicted of high treason for distributing anti-war leaflets at the University of Munich with her brother, Hans. Despite facing execution by guillotine, Scholl's bravery and commitment to resisting the Nazi regime have been widely recognized and commemorated since the 1960s.

Horst Wessel was a member of the Sturmabteilung (SA) and rose to command several SA squads and districts. He was shot and killed by two members of the Communist Party of Germany, leading Joseph Goebbels to turn him into a martyr for the Nazi Party. Wessel's funeral was widely attended by the Nazi elite in Berlin, and he became a propaganda symbol in Nazi Germany. A march he wrote the lyrics for was renamed the "Horst-Wessel-Lied" and became the official anthem of the Nazi Party after Hitler came to power.

Horst Mahler is a former lawyer and political activist from Germany. He has been involved in various extremist ideologies throughout his career, starting as a far-left militant and a founding member of the Red Army Faction before becoming a Maoist and eventually switching to neo-Nazism. He was a member of the far-right National Democratic Party of Germany for a brief period. Mahler has been convicted multiple times for incitement of hatred and Holocaust denial, resulting in several prison sentences.

Beate Auguste Klarsfeld is a renowned Franco-German journalist and Nazi hunter known for her relentless pursuit of justice against numerous Nazi war criminals. Alongside her husband, Serge, she gained international recognition for their investigative work exposing individuals such as Kurt Lischka, Alois Brunner, Klaus Barbie, and others. In addition to her activism, Klarsfeld also ventured into politics, running as a candidate for The Left in the 2012 German presidential election. Despite her efforts, she was not successful in securing the position.

Ottilie Assing was a prominent figure in the 19th-century as a German-American feminist, freethinker, and abolitionist. She dedicated her professional life to advocating for women's rights, challenging societal norms, and actively participating in the abolitionist movement. Assing's work included writing influential articles, giving speeches, and collaborating with like-minded individuals to promote social change. Her commitment to these causes left a lasting impact on the feminist and abolitionist movements, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in the fight for equality and justice.

Ferdinand Lassalle was a prominent Prussian-German jurist, philosopher, socialist, and politician known for his role in initiating the social-democratic movement in Germany. He was recognized as the first person in Germany and Europe to successfully organize a socialist action party, playing a significant role in shaping the socialist movement. Lassalle's impact on history was profound, with his ability to garner support and articulate key concepts such as the night-watchman state and iron law of wages, which influenced socialist ideologies for years to come.

Karl Heinrich Ulrichs was a German lawyer, jurist, journalist, and writer known for his pioneering work in sexology and advocacy for gay rights. He is recognized as a key figure in the early gay rights movement and is often referred to as the "first gay man in world history." Ulrichs' professional life was dedicated to challenging discriminatory laws and social attitudes towards homosexuality through his writings and activism, laying the groundwork for the modern understanding and acceptance of diverse sexual orientations.

Luisa-Marie Neubauer is a prominent German climate activist, politician, and author known for her role as a key organizer of the school strike for climate movement in Germany, also known as Fridays for Future. She is dedicated to advocating for a robust climate policy that aligns with and exceeds the goals of the Paris Agreement while supporting the concept of de-growth. Neubauer is affiliated with Alliance 90/The Greens and the Green Youth, where she continues to be a driving force in the fight against climate change.

Bertha Pappenheim was a prominent Austrian-Jewish feminist and social pioneer known for founding the Jewish Women's Association. She gained further recognition under the pseudonym Anna O. as one of Josef Breuer's most well-documented patients, thanks to Sigmund Freud's writings on Breuer's case. Pappenheim's professional life was characterized by her advocacy for women's rights and her contributions to the field of psychology through her collaboration with influential figures like Breuer and Freud.

Inge Scholl was a key figure in the White Rose student resistance movement in Nazi Germany, where she and her siblings played a crucial role in distributing leaflets critical of Nazi war crimes. After the war, she wrote extensively about the White Rose and its activities. In 1955, she published the first book on the White Rose, which was later translated into multiple languages. Additionally, she co-founded the Ulm School of Design and was actively involved in the peace movement in the later half of the 20th century.

May Ayim, also known as May Opitz, was an Afro-German poet, educator, and activist. She wrote a groundbreaking thesis at the University of Regensburg focusing on Afro-German history, which later became a significant book on the subject. Ayim's work shed light on the experiences of Afro-German women and aimed to unite the Afro-German community while fighting against racism in German society. She co-founded the Initiative of Black People in Germany to further her activism in the late 1980s.

Rudi Dutschke was a German sociologist and political activist known for his leadership in the Socialist Students Union (SDS) in West Germany and the broader "extra-parliamentary opposition" movement. Rejecting both Leninist party dictatorship and West German social democracy, he advocated for direct democracy and alternative social and political structures. Dutschke supported Third World liberation struggles and later embraced a patriotic socialist stance, urging the left to address the national question and pursue a bloc-free path to German reunification. He was also involved in the founding congress of the Green party before his death in 1979.

Adolf Brand was a German writer and egoist anarchist known for his advocacy for the acceptance of male bisexuality and homosexuality. He founded the first homosexual periodical in Germany, "Der Eigene," which played a significant role in promoting LGBTQ+ rights. Brand's work as a pioneering campaigner and his writings challenged societal norms and contributed to the early LGBTQ+ rights movement in Germany. His efforts helped to raise awareness and foster acceptance of diverse sexual orientations during a time of widespread discrimination.

Naomi Seibt is a German political activist known for her stance as a climate change denier and opposition to climate activist Greta Thunberg. She was employed by the Heartland Institute, a conservative think tank that promoted her as the "anti-Greta". Seibt has spoken at various events organized by conservative think tanks and identifies as a libertarian and anarcho-capitalist.

Carl von Ossietzky was a German journalist and pacifist known for his courageous work in exposing Germany's clandestine rearmament efforts, earning him the 1935 Nobel Peace Prize. As editor-in-chief of Die Weltbühne, he published exposés on Germany's violations of the Treaty of Versailles, leading to his conviction for treason in 1931. Despite imprisonment and mistreatment by the Nazis, Ossietzky remained a vocal critic of German militarism until his death in 1938. His unwavering dedication to peace and justice left a lasting impact on history.

Alexander Schmorell was a Russian-German student at Munich University who, along with five others, formed a resistance group called White Rose. This group was active in opposition to the Nazi German regime from June 1942 to February 1943. In 2012, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia glorified him as a saint and passion bearer. Schmorell is revered by Orthodox Christians globally for his courageous actions against the oppressive Nazi regime during World War II.

Shere Hite was a prominent sex educator and feminist known for her groundbreaking work on female sexuality. Building upon the research of Masters and Johnson, as well as Alfred Kinsey, she authored The Hite Report, a comprehensive study on female sexuality. Hite's work incorporated theories from the feminist movement of the 1970s, challenging traditional views on female pleasure. Renouncing her US citizenship in 1995, she became a German citizen. Her contributions have had a lasting impact on the fields of sexology and gender studies.

Stéphane Hessel was a notable French diplomat, ambassador, writer, and a survivor of concentration camps. He played a crucial role as a member of the Resistance and a BCRA agent. Hessel's contributions extended to observing the editing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. He was recognized as one of the top global thinkers by Foreign Policy magazine. Later in his career, he focused on advocating against economic inequalities, addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and promoting the post-World War II social vision through his influential book "Time for Outrage!"

Helga Zepp-LaRouche is a German political activist known for founding the LaRouche movement's Schiller Institute and the German party Bürgerrechtsbewegung Solidarität (BüSo). She has made unsuccessful attempts to enter politics in Germany as a candidate for parties associated with the LaRouche movement. Zepp-LaRouche has served as the editor of historical investigations into the origins of Nazism and has been criticized for distorting historical facts.

Dorothee Sölle was a prominent German liberation theologian known for coining the term "Christofascism." Throughout her career, she focused on the intersection of faith and social justice, advocating for human rights, peace, and solidarity with marginalized communities. Sölle's work challenged traditional religious structures and called for a more inclusive and progressive interpretation of Christianity. Her writings and teachings inspired many to engage critically with theology and address systemic injustices in society. Sölle's legacy continues to influence theological discourse and activism worldwide.

Anke Domscheit-Berg is a prominent German politician and activist with a diverse political background. She has been a member of the Bundestag since 2017, initially elected on The Left party list before joining the party in 2021. Prior to her involvement with The Left, she was associated with the Pirate Party Germany and the Greens. Throughout her career, Domscheit-Berg has been recognized for her contributions, including receiving the prestigious Berliner Frauenpreis in 2010. Her dedication to political advocacy and activism has solidified her reputation as a respected figure in German politics.

Marianne Weber, a German sociologist and women's rights activist, made significant contributions to the field of sociology through her research and writings. She played a key role in advocating for women's rights and gender equality, addressing social issues such as patriarchy and the role of women in society. As a prominent figure in the academic community, Marianne Weber's work helped to advance the understanding of social structures and gender dynamics, leaving a lasting impact on the field of sociology.

Dirk Bach was a versatile German actor, comedian, and television presenter with a successful career in the entertainment industry. He was widely recognized for his role as the co-host of the popular show Ich bin ein Star – Holt mich hier raus!, the German adaptation of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!. With his charismatic and humorous personality, Dirk captivated audiences and became a beloved figure on television. His contributions to the world of entertainment left a lasting impact on fans and colleagues alike.

Lily Braun was a prominent German feminist writer and politician affiliated with the Social Democratic Party (SPD). Throughout her career, she advocated for women's rights and gender equality. Braun was known for her innovative idea of the single-kitchen home, which aimed to alleviate the burden of housework on women. Her works often focused on societal issues related to gender, politics, and labor rights. Braun's contributions to the feminist movement and her commitment to social reform made her a respected figure in German politics and literature.

Rolf Becker is a renowned German television and voice actor famous for his portrayal of Otto Stein in the popular soap opera In aller Freundschaft. With a successful career spanning several decades, Becker has established himself as a versatile and talented performer in the entertainment industry. His contributions to television and voice acting have earned him recognition and admiration from audiences and critics alike. Known for his dedication to his craft and ability to bring characters to life, Rolf Becker continues to captivate viewers with his compelling performances.

Conrad Beissel was a composer and spiritual leader known for his unique system of musical composition using "master notes" and "servant notes" to create harmony. He also established a printing facility in his community. Beissel's colony declined after his death and during the American Revolution. He promoted vegetarianism based on Christian beliefs, and the entire Ephrata community followed a vegan diet excluding meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. Beissel's professional life was dedicated to music composition, spiritual leadership, promoting vegetarianism, and establishing a printing facility.

Johann Cochlaeus was a distinguished German humanist, renowned for his expertise in music theory and controversial writings. He actively engaged in theological disputes, particularly with figures like Martin Luther during the Reformation. Cochlaeus gained recognition for his intellectual pursuits and theological arguments. His works on music theory contributed significantly to the understanding and development of musical practices during his time. Through his professional endeavors, Cochlaeus left a lasting impact on the fields of humanism, music theory, and theological debate.

August Spies was an American upholsterer, radical labor activist, and newspaper editor. He played a prominent role in advocating for workers' rights and was a vocal supporter of the anarchist movement. Spies was known for his passionate speeches and writings that called for social and economic equality. He co-founded the International Working People's Association and was a key figure in organizing labor strikes and protests. Spies' involvement in the Haymarket affair ultimately led to his conviction and execution for conspiracy to commit murder.

Gerhart Moritz Riegner was a prominent German philosopher known for his work as the secretary-general of the World Jewish Congress from 1965 to 1983. He studied law at prestigious institutions such as Heidelberg, Paris, and the Geneva Graduate Institute. Riegner's professional life was characterized by his dedication to advocating for Jewish rights and addressing issues of global significance. He played a key role in shaping international policies and promoting dialogue on important matters affecting the Jewish community during his tenure at the World Jewish Congress.

Fanny Lewald was a prominent German novelist, essayist, and women's rights activist. Throughout her professional life, she made significant contributions to literature and feminist thought. Lewald's novels and essays often explored themes of social inequality, women's rights, and the role of women in society. She was known for her progressive views on gender equality and her advocacy for women's education and empowerment. Her works continue to be studied and celebrated for their insight into the challenges faced by women during the 19th century.

Sibylle Szaggars Redford is a German-born multimedia environmental artist known for her exhibitions across Europe, Monaco, Peru, Singapore, Japan, Suriname, and the US. Her work focuses on Mother Nature and spiritual consciousness, aiming to raise awareness about environmental issues. Inspired by nature and ancient cultures like the 'Hopi,' Moroccan, and New Mexican high desert, her paintings often depict these themes. One of her renowned works, 'Rainfall,' reflects her deep love for nature. Sibylle later transformed her paintings into a stage play called 'The Way of the Rain,' showcasing her dedication to environmental advocacy.

Eugen Drewermann is a prominent German church critic, theologian, peace activist, and former Catholic priest known for his advocacy of a non-violent form of Christianity. He integrates Depth psychology into Exegesis and Theology to challenge traditional interpretations of biblical stories. Drewermann's criticisms of Catholic dogma, including the Virgin birth of Jesus, led to conflicts with church authorities, culminating in his departure from the Catholic Church in 2005. He has also been vocal on political issues, opposing wars and advocating for peace movements.

Ursula Martius Franklin was a prominent Canadian metallurgist, research physicist, author, and educator known for her extensive contributions to the understanding of the political and social impacts of technology. She taught at the University of Toronto for over 40 years and authored notable works such as The Real World of Technology. A practicing Quaker, Franklin actively advocated for pacifist and feminist causes, emphasizing the importance of peace and social justice. She received numerous honors, including induction into the Canadian Science and Engineering Hall of Fame.

Adé Bantu is a Nigerian-German musician, producer, and social activist known for his work as the front man of the band BANTU and creator of the music festival Afropolitan Vibes in Lagos, Nigeria. He is also the founder of the Afro-German musical collective Brothers Keepers. BANTU, under Ade's leadership, received the prestigious Kora Award for their album Fuji Satisfaction in 2005. Adé Bantu's professional life is characterized by his commitment to music, activism, and cultural exchange, making a significant impact in the music industry and beyond.

Theodor Wonja Michael was a versatile professional known for his work as a child actor, journalist, and public servant in Germany. He gained recognition as a prominent speaker, sharing his experiences as an Afro-German living in Nazi Germany and as a prisoner in Nazi forced labor camps. Throughout his career, he used his platform to shed light on important historical events and social issues, leaving a lasting impact through his advocacy and storytelling.