Famous German Inventors & Discoverers

Vote for Your Favourite German Inventors & Discoverers

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 1 
Rudolf Diesel
(Inventor of Diesel Engine)
Rudolf Diesel
7
Birthdate: March 18, 1858
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Paris, France
Died: September 29, 1913
Rudolf Diesel was a German inventor and mechanical engineer known for creating the Diesel engine, named after him. He focused on developing efficient internal combustion engines, leading to the creation of the first successful compression-ignition engine in 1892. Throughout his career, Diesel worked on improving engine efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. His innovative work revolutionized transportation and industry, laying the foundation for the widespread use of diesel engines in various applications worldwide. Diesel's legacy continues to have a significant impact on the fields of engineering and transportation.
 2 
Wernher Von Braun
(Known as Father of Rocket Science)
Wernher Von Braun
5
Birthdate: March 23, 1912
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Wyrzysk, Poland
Died: June 16, 1977
Wernher Von Braun was a German-American aerospace engineer and space architect. He played a significant role in the development of rocket technology in Nazi Germany, including co-developing the V-2 rocket during World War II. After the war, he was brought to the United States under Operation Paperclip and worked on missile programs for the U.S. Army. Von Braun later joined NASA, where he was a key figure in developing the Saturn V launch vehicle that propelled the Apollo spacecraft to the Moon. He is considered a controversial figure due to his Nazi past.
 3 
Johannes Gutenberg
(German Inventor and Printer Who Introduced Printing to Europe With His Mechanical Movable-Type Printing Press)
Johannes Gutenberg
16
Birthdate: 1400 AD
Birthplace: Mainz, Germany
Died: February 3, 1468
Johannes Gutenberg was a German inventor and craftsman known for inventing the movable-type printing press. His groundbreaking invention revolutionized the printing industry by enabling faster and more efficient printing. Gutenberg's contributions include mass-producing movable type, using oil-based ink for printing, and creating a wooden printing press based on agricultural screw presses. His most famous work, the Gutenberg Bible, was the first printed version of the Bible and is renowned for its high aesthetic and technical quality. Gutenberg's impact on the Renaissance, Reformation, and humanist movements solidified his place as one of history's most influential figures.
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 4 
Gottlieb Daimler
7
Birthdate: March 17, 1834
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Schorndorf, Germany
Died: March 6, 1900
Gottlieb Wilhelm Daimler was a German engineer, industrial designer, and industrialist known for his pioneering work in internal-combustion engines and automobile development. Alongside his business partner Wilhelm Maybach, he aimed to create high-speed engines for various transportation applications. Their innovations included the development of the high-speed liquid petroleum-fueled engine, the first internal combustion motorcycle known as the Petroleum Reitwagen, and the establishment of the Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft. Daimler's contributions solidified his reputation as a key figure in automotive history, earning him the title "the father of the motorcycle."
 5 
Wilhelm Maybach
(German Automobile Designer Known for Designing the Initial Mercedes Cars, and Founder of 'Maybach')
Wilhelm Maybach
4
Birthdate: February 9, 1846
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Heilbronn
Died: December 29, 1929
Wilhelm Maybach was an early German engine designer and industrialist recognized for his contributions to the development of high-speed internal combustion engines for various applications. Teaming up with Gottlieb Daimler, he played a key role in creating the world's first motorcycle, motorboat, and the Mercedes model. Despite leaving Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft due to conflicts, he went on to establish his own company, Maybach-Motorenbau GmbH, specializing in manufacturing Zeppelin engines. His legacy continued post-World War II with the company's involvement in producing engines for German tanks.
 6 
Ralph H. Baer
(German-American Inventor, Game Developer, and Engineer Best Known for Developing the First Video Game System)
Ralph H. Baer
4
Birthdate: March 8, 1922
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Rodalben, Germany
Died: December 6, 2014
Ralph H. Baer was a German-American inventor, game developer, and engineer known for his pioneering work in the video game industry. He conceived the idea of playing games on a television screen in the mid-1960s, leading to the development of the first home video game console, the Magnavox Odyssey. Baer continued to design consoles and computer game units, holding over 150 patents in electronics. He is widely recognized as the "Father of Video Games" for his significant contributions to the industry.
 7 
Werner von Siemens
4
Birthdate: December 13, 1816
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Gehrden
Died: December 6, 1892
Ernst Werner Siemens was a prominent German electrical engineer, inventor, and industrialist known for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of electrical engineering. He founded the renowned conglomerate Siemens, which became a global leader in electrical and telecommunications technology. Siemens was a prolific inventor, credited with creating key innovations such as the electric tram, trolley bus, electric locomotive, and electric elevator. His legacy extends to the scientific community, with the SI unit of electrical conductance named in his honor as the siemens.
 8 
Emile Berliner
(Inventor)
Emile Berliner
4
Birthdate: May 20, 1851
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Hanover, Germany
Died: August 3, 1929
Emile Berliner was a German-American inventor known for inventing the lateral-cut flat disc record, revolutionizing the music industry with the gramophone. He established several successful companies related to sound recording and reproduction, including the United States Gramophone Company, The Gramophone Company in London, Deutsche Grammophon in Germany, and the Berliner Gram-o-phone Company of Canada. In addition to his contributions to the music industry, Berliner also made significant advancements in aviation with his invention of a radial aircraft engine and a helicopter, along with innovations in acoustical tiles.
 9 
Karl Ferdinand Braun
(German Electrical Engineer Who Made Significant Contribution to the Development of Radio and Television Technology)
Karl Ferdinand Braun
3
Birthdate: June 6, 1850
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Fulda, Germany
Died: April 20, 1918
Karl Ferdinand Braun was a German electrical engineer, inventor, and physicist known for his significant contributions to the development of radio, radar, smart antennas, MIMO technology, and television. He invented the phased array antenna in 1905 and built the first Cathode-ray tube and semiconductor. Braun shared the 1909 Nobel Prize in Physics with Guglielmo Marconi for their work in wireless telegraphy. He was a founder of Telefunken, a pioneering communications and television company, and is recognized as the "father of television" and a key figure in radio telegraphy.
 10 
Hans Geiger
(Physicist)
Hans Geiger
5
Birthdate: September 30, 1882
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Neustadt, Germany
Died: September 24, 1945
Hans Geiger was a prominent German physicist known for co-inventing the detector component of the Geiger counter and conducting the Geiger-Marsden experiment, which led to the discovery of the atomic nucleus. He also carried out the Bothe-Geiger coincidence experiment, confirming the conservation of energy in light-particle interactions. Through his innovative experiments and inventions, Geiger made significant contributions to the fields of nuclear physics and radiation detection, solidifying his legacy as a pioneering figure in scientific research and discovery.
 11 
Karl Drais
(German Forest Official and Significant Inventor)
Karl Drais
3
Birthdate: April 29, 1785
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Karlsruhe, Germany
Died: December 10, 1851
Karl Drais was a noble German forest official and inventor known for his significant contributions during the Biedermeier period. He is recognized as the "father of the bicycle" for inventing the Laufmaschine, an early version of the bicycle. Drais worked as a forest official and also engaged in various inventions and innovations, including the early typewriter and the earliest form of a stenograph. His work in developing the precursor to the modern bicycle had a lasting impact on transportation and urban mobility.
 12 
Felix Hoffmann
(German Chemist and Inventor)
Felix Hoffmann
2
Birthdate: January 21, 1868
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Ludwigsburg, Germany
Died: February 8, 1946
Felix Hoffmann was a German chemist known for re-synthesizing diamorphine, popularly known as "heroin," and for his work on synthesizing aspirin. He was credited with independently re-synthesizing diamorphine, which was originally synthesized by C.R. Alder Wright. Hoffmann's role in the synthesis of aspirin is debated, as some sources suggest he did so under the direction of Arthur Eichengrün. Hoffmann's contributions to the field of chemistry have had a lasting impact on the pharmaceutical industry and medical science.
 13 
Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner
(German Chemist Best Known for Inventing the First Lighter)
Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner
4
Birthdate: December 13, 1780
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Hof, Germany
Died: March 24, 1849
Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner was a German chemist known for his significant contributions to the field of chemistry. He is best known for his work that hinted at the periodic law of chemical elements and for inventing the first lighter, known as Döbereiner's lamp. Döbereiner served as a professor of chemistry and pharmacy at the University of Jena, where he conducted important research and made pioneering discoveries that have had a lasting impact on the field of chemistry.
 14 
Hans von Ohain
(Physicist)
Hans von Ohain
3
Birthdate: December 14, 1911
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Dessau, Duchy of Anhalt, Germany
Died: March 13, 1998
Hans Joachim Pabst von Ohain was a German physicist and engineer known for designing the first turbojet engine to power an aircraft. He worked closely with the aircraft manufacturer Heinkel, who funded his research and development efforts. Von Ohain's engine design, based on a centrifugal impeller and radial inflow turbine, powered the historic Heinkel He 178 aircraft in 1939. Despite facing challenges with his engine configurations, von Ohain made significant contributions to the early development of jet propulsion technology and the jet engine industry in Germany.
 15 
Ernst Ruska
(Inventor of Electron Microscope)
Ernst Ruska
4
Birthdate: December 25, 1906
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Heidelberg
Died: May 27, 1988
Ernst Ruska was a German physicist renowned for his groundbreaking work in electron optics. He proposed the idea of using electrons in microscopes to achieve higher magnification than traditional light-based microscopes. In 1931, he developed the first electron lens using a magnetic coil and subsequently built the first electron microscope in 1933. Ruska played a pivotal role in advancing electron microscopy technology, contributing to the development of the first commercially produced electron microscope in 1939. His significant contributions earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1986.
 16 
Hugo Junkers
(Engineer)
Hugo Junkers
4
Birthdate: February 3, 1859
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Rheydt, Rhine Province, Kingdom of Prussia
Died: February 3, 1935
Hugo Junkers was a pioneering German aircraft engineer and designer, known for his innovative work in developing all-metal airplanes and flying wings. His company, Junkers Flugzeug- und Motorenwerke AG, was a significant presence in the German aircraft industry between the World Wars. Junkers also made contributions to engine development and held patents in thermodynamics and metallurgy. His career highlights include the creation of groundbreaking aircraft such as the J 1, F 13, W 33, G.38 "flying wing", and Ju 52. Despite facing challenges under Nazi rule, Junkers left a lasting legacy in aviation history.
 17 
Otto von Guericke
(German Scientist, Inventor, Mathematician and Physicist)
Otto von Guericke
3
Birthdate: November 30, 1602
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Magdeburg, Germany
Died: May 21, 1686
Otto von Guericke was a German scientist, inventor, mathematician, and physicist known for his pioneering work in experimental methods and repeatable demonstrations on the physics of vacuum, atmospheric pressure, and electrostatic repulsion. He made significant contributions to the Scientific Revolution by advocating for the reality of "action at a distance" and "absolute space". Von Guericke's professional life was characterized by his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge through innovative research and his deep-rooted belief in the connection between science and divinity.
 18 
Carl Wilhelm Siemens
(German-British Electrical Engineer and Businessman)
Carl Wilhelm Siemens
2
Birthdate: April 4, 1823
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Gehrden, Germany
Died: November 19, 1883
Carl Wilhelm Siemens was a prominent figure in the field of electrical engineering and business. He made significant contributions to the development of the telegraph and electric lighting systems. Siemens played a key role in the expansion of the telegraph network and the construction of the first successful electric railway. He also founded successful companies that specialized in electrical engineering and technology. Siemens' innovative work and entrepreneurial spirit helped shape the modern electrical industry and solidified his legacy as a pioneer in the field.
 19 
Siegfried Marcus
(German Inventor Who Made the First Petrol-Powered Vehicle in 1864)
Siegfried Marcus
2
Birthdate: September 18, 1831
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Malchin, Germany
Died: July 1, 1898
Siegfried Marcus was a German inventor known for creating the first petrol-powered vehicle in 1864 while residing in Vienna, Austria. His innovative work in the automotive industry marked a significant milestone in transportation history. Marcus's contributions to the development of the automobile industry paved the way for future advancements in vehicle technology. His pioneering spirit and ingenuity have left a lasting impact on the world of transportation and engineering.
 20 
Gustave Whitehead
(Aerospace engineer, Engineer)
Gustave Whitehead
4
Birthdate: January 1, 1874
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Leutershausen
Died: October 10, 1927
Gustave Albin Whitehead was an aviation pioneer who emigrated to the U.S. from Germany. Between 1897 and 1915, he designed and built gliders, flying machines, and engines. Controversy surrounds his claims of successful powered flights in 1901-02, predating the Wright Brothers. Whitehead's reputation was based on a newspaper article describing his flight in 1901. Despite mainstream historian skepticism, enthusiasts have built and flown replicas of his aircraft. Whitehead's public profile faded after 1915, and he died in relative obscurity in 1927.
 21 
Gerd Binnig
(Physicist)
Gerd Binnig
2
Birthdate: July 20, 1947
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Gerd Binnig is a renowned German physicist known for co-winning the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1986, alongside Heinrich Rohrer, for their groundbreaking invention of the scanning tunneling microscope. Throughout his professional career, Binnig has significantly contributed to the field of nanotechnology and surface science, pioneering advancements in microscopy techniques. His work has revolutionized the way scientists observe and manipulate matter at the atomic level, leading to profound impacts on various scientific disciplines and technological advancements.
 22 
Johann Philipp Reis
(Physicist, Inventor)
Johann Philipp Reis
3
Birthdate: January 7, 1834
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Gelnhausen
Died: January 14, 1874
Johann Philipp Reis was a German teacher and inventor known for his work on early versions of the telephone. Reis conducted experiments on the transmission of electricity through space and successfully created the first prototype of a telephone in 1860. Despite facing rejection and skepticism, he persisted in developing his invention. Reis's efforts to transmit speech through electricity laid the foundation for future advancements in telecommunications, even though his device faced limitations in transmitting articulated speech effectively.
 23 
Felix Wankel
(Inventor, Engineer, Politician)
Felix Wankel
3
Birthdate: August 13, 1902
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Lahr
Died: October 9, 1988
Felix Wankel was a German mechanical engineer and inventor known for creating the Wankel engine. Throughout his professional life, Wankel dedicated himself to developing innovative technologies in the field of automotive engineering. He worked tirelessly to perfect the design of the Wankel engine, a type of internal combustion engine known for its compact size and high power output. Wankel's contributions to the automotive industry revolutionized engine design and continue to have a lasting impact on the world of transportation.
 24 
Wilhelm Schickard
(Professor)
Wilhelm Schickard
2
Birthdate: April 22, 1592
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Herrenberg, Germany
Died: October 24, 1635
Wilhelm Schickard was a German professor of Hebrew and astronomy known for his groundbreaking work in the design and development of calculating machines in the 17th century. He is famous for his drawings of a calculating clock, predating Pascal's calculator by twenty years. Schickard's machine integrated rotated Napier's rods for multiplication and an adding machine with rotating knobs for input and number windows for output. Although his machine was not complete, it laid the foundation for later mechanical calculators, earning him the title "the father of the computer age."
 25 
Hugo Schmeisser
(German Inventor)
Hugo Schmeisser
4
Birthdate: September 24, 1884
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Jena, Germany
Died: September 12, 1953
Hugo Schmeisser was a prominent German developer of 20th-century infantry weapons. He made significant contributions to the field of weapon design, particularly in Suhl, Thuringia, where he was based for much of his professional life. Schmeisser's work was highly regarded in Europe, and he played a key role in advancing the development of infantry firearms during his career. His innovative designs and expertise in weapon manufacturing solidified his reputation as a leading figure in the industry.
 26 
Theobald Boehm
(Inventor)
Theobald Boehm
2
Birthdate: April 9, 1794
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Munich, Germany
Died: November 27, 1881
Theobald Boehm was a German inventor and musician who revolutionized the modern Western concert flute with his innovative fingering system, known as the "Boehm system." As a Bavarian court musician, virtuoso flautist, and accomplished composer, he made significant contributions to the world of music. His groundbreaking fingering system was not only applied to the flute but also adapted for other instruments like the oboe and clarinet, showcasing his versatile skills and lasting impact on the musical world.
 27 
Peter Henlein
(watchmaker, inventor)
Peter Henlein
4
Birthdate: 1485 AD
Birthplace: Nuremberg
Died: July 31, 1542
Peter Henlein was a locksmith and clockmaker from Nuremberg, Germany. He is widely recognized as the inventor of the watch, being one of the first craftsmen to create small ornamental portable clocks that were worn as pendants or attached to clothing. Henlein's innovative designs are considered the earliest versions of watches. Although some sources mistakenly credit him with inventing the mainspring, his contributions to timekeeping technology remain significant in the history of horology.
 28 
Paul Gottlieb Nipkow
(Technician)
Paul Gottlieb Nipkow
2
Birthdate: August 22, 1860
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Lębork, Poland
Died: August 24, 1940
Paul Julius Gottlieb Nipkow was a German technician and inventor known for inventing the Nipkow disk, a crucial component in the development of television. His innovation paved the way for the first televisions, with numerous stations using his disk for television broadcasting in the 1920s and 1930s. Nipkow is often referred to as the "father of television" alongside other early television pioneers like Karl Ferdinand Braun. His contributions to the field were significant, leading to the establishment of the first regular television service named Fernsehsender Paul Nipkow in his honor.
 29 
Alois Senefelder
(Actor and playwright who invented the printing technique of lithography in the 1790s)
Alois Senefelder
2
Birthdate: November 6, 1771
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Prague, Czechia
Died: February 26, 1834
Alois Senefelder was a German actor and playwright known for inventing the printing technique of lithography in the 1790s. He developed this innovative method as a cost-effective way to reproduce scripts and music for his theatrical work. Senefelder's lithography process revolutionized the printing industry by enabling the mass production of high-quality images and texts. His invention quickly gained popularity for its simplicity and versatility, making lithography a widely used printing technique that continues to be influential in the field of graphic arts.
 30 
Walter H. Schottky
(Physicist)
Walter H. Schottky
2
Birthdate: July 23, 1886
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Zürich, Switzerland
Died: March 4, 1976
Walter H. Schottky was a prominent German physicist known for his pioneering work in electron and ion emission phenomena. He invented the screen-grid vacuum tube and co-invented the ribbon microphone and ribbon loudspeaker. He made significant contributions to semiconductor devices, technical physics, and technology. Several scientific concepts bear his name, such as the Schottky effect, Schottky diode, Schottky vacancies, Schottky anomaly, and Mott-Schottky equation. His research on electrical noise mechanisms, space charge, and semiconductors greatly influenced the development of rectifiers and transistors.
 31 
Karlheinz Brandenburg
(German Electrical Engineer and Mathematician)
Karlheinz Brandenburg
2
Birthdate: June 20, 1954
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Erlangen, Bavaria, West Germany
Karlheinz Brandenburg is a prominent German electrical engineer and mathematician known for his groundbreaking work in audio data compression. Alongside a team of experts, he played a pivotal role in developing the widely used MP3 method, earning him the title "father of the MP3" format. His contributions extend to various aspects of audio coding, perception measurement, wave field synthesis, and psychoacoustics. Brandenburg's exceptional achievements have been recognized through numerous national and international research awards, prizes, and honors. As a professor of electronic media technology at the Technical University Ilmenau, he continues to shape the industry and lead innovations in digital media technology.
 32 
Christian Friedrich Schönbein
(German-Swiss Chemist Best Known for Inventing the 'Fuel Cell')
Christian Friedrich Schönbein
2
Birthdate: October 18, 1799
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Metzingen, Germany
Died: August 29, 1868
Christian Friedrich Schönbein was a prominent German-Swiss chemist known for inventing the fuel cell simultaneously with William Robert Grove in 1838. He also made significant contributions to the field of chemistry through his discoveries of guncotton and ozone. Schönbein's work revolutionized the understanding of energy generation and storage, as well as the properties of various chemical compounds. His innovative research and inventions have had a lasting impact on the fields of chemistry and energy technology, solidifying his reputation as a pioneering figure in scientific advancement.
 33 
Anton Flettner
(Engineer)
Anton Flettner
2
Birthdate: November 1, 1885
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Hattersheim am Main, Germany
Died: December 29, 1961
Anton Flettner was a German aviation engineer and inventor who made significant contributions to airplane, helicopter, vessel, and automobile designs. He served Germany in both World Wars before emigrating to the United States post-World War II as a consultant to the United States Navy. Flettner attended Fulda State Teachers College and taught high school mathematics and physics in Frankfurt. He developed the innovative Flettner Rotor ship, which revolutionized wind harnessing technology for ocean liners, leading to significant crew reductions and fuel savings.
 34 
Hennig Brand
(German Alchemist Who Discovered the Chemical Element 'Phosphorus')
Hennig Brand
3
Birthdate: 1630 AD
Birthplace: Hamburg, Germany
Died: 1710 AD
Hennig Brand was a multi-faceted individual, serving as an army officer and a physician while also delving into the world of alchemy. His relentless pursuit of the mythical philosopher's stone ultimately led to the accidental discovery of phosphorus. Despite this significant find, Brand chose to keep his discovery a closely guarded secret. It was not until later that Robert Boyle of England formally recognized and acknowledged Brand's discovery of phosphorus, solidifying Brand's place in the history of science and alchemy.
 35 
Oskar Barnack
(German Inventor and Designer of the First Precision Miniature Camera)
Oskar Barnack
4
Birthdate: November 1, 1879
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Lynow, Germany
Died: January 16, 1936
Oskar Barnack was a German inventor and photographer known for creating the first commercially successful 35mm still-camera in 1913, later named the Ur-Leica. He worked at Ernst Leitz Optische Werke, the Leitz factory in Wetzlar, where he developed innovative camera technology. Barnack's invention revolutionized the photography industry, paving the way for compact and portable cameras that became widely popular. His contributions to the field of photography continue to be celebrated for their significant impact on the evolution of camera design and functionality.
 36 
Claudius Dornier
(Designer)
Claudius Dornier
2
Birthdate: May 14, 1884
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Kempten, Germany
Died: December 5, 1969
Claudius Dornier was a prominent German-French airplane designer known for founding Dornier GmbH. His illustrious career was defined by innovative aircraft designs, most notably the revolutionary 12-engine Dornier Do X flying boat, which held the title of the world's largest and most powerful airplane for many years. Dornier's expertise extended to creating several other highly successful aircraft models, cementing his reputation as a pioneering figure in aviation history.
 37 
Ernst Stuhlinger
(Scientist)
Ernst Stuhlinger
1
Birthdate: December 19, 1913
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Niederrimbach, Germany
Died: May 25, 2008
Ernst Stuhlinger was a prominent German-American scientist who made significant contributions to atomic, electrical, and rocket science. He played a crucial role in developing guidance systems for the US Army alongside Wernher von Braun's team after being brought to the United States through Operation Paperclip. Stuhlinger later worked as a scientist at NASA, where he was involved in the development of the ion engine for long-endurance space flight and conducted various scientific experiments. His work has had a lasting impact on the field of space exploration.
 38 
Ottmar Mergenthaler
(Inventor)
Ottmar Mergenthaler
2
Birthdate: May 11, 1854
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Bad Mergentheim, Germany
Died: October 28, 1899
Ottmar Mergenthaler was a German-American inventor known for creating the linotype machine, a groundbreaking invention that transformed the printing industry. His innovation enabled the rapid and efficient typesetting of complete lines of text, revolutionizing the printing process and making it more accessible to a wider audience. Mergenthaler's work significantly advanced the field of printing technology, setting new standards for efficiency and quality in the industry. His legacy lives on through the continued impact of the linotype machine on modern printing practices.
 39 
Viktor Meyer
(Chemist)
Viktor Meyer
2
Birthdate: September 8, 1848
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Berlin, Germany
Died: August 8, 1897
Viktor Meyer was a prominent German chemist known for his contributions to both organic and inorganic chemistry. He is renowned for inventing the Viktor Meyer apparatus, a device used to determine vapor densities, and for his discovery of thiophene, an important heterocyclic compound. Throughout his career, Meyer made significant advancements in the field of chemistry, earning him a reputation as a leading figure in scientific research. His work continues to influence and inspire chemists and researchers to this day.
 40 
Konrad Dannenberg
(Rocket scientist)
Konrad Dannenberg
1
Birthdate: August 5, 1912
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Weißenfels, Germany
Died: February 16, 2009
Konrad Dannenberg was a German-American rocket pioneer who played a crucial role in the development of rocket technology during and after World War II. As a member of the German rocket team brought to the United States, Dannenberg contributed significantly to the advancement of space exploration. He was involved in key projects such as the development of the V-2 rocket and later played a vital role in the American space program, including the Apollo missions. Dannenberg's expertise and dedication helped shape the field of rocketry and aerospace engineering.
 41 
Hans Beck
(Inventor)
Hans Beck
1
Birthdate: May 6, 1929
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Thuringia, Germany
Died: January 30, 2009
Hans Beck was a German inventor known as "The Father of Playmobil" for his groundbreaking work in toy design. After training as a cabinet maker, he joined Geobra Brandstätter in 1958, where he developed the iconic Playmobil figure with movable parts. The Playmobil toy line, launched in 1974, quickly became a global success, thanks to Beck's innovative designs. His contributions revolutionized the toy industry and continue to bring joy to children worldwide.
 42 
Heinrich Daniel Ruhmkorff
(Inventor)
Heinrich Daniel Ruhmkorff
1
Birthdate: January 15, 1803
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Hannover, Germany
Died: December 20, 1877
Heinrich Daniel Ruhmkorff was a German instrument maker known for commercializing the induction coil, often called the Ruhmkorff coil. He began his career in England after an apprenticeship with a German mechanic. Ruhmkorff set up a shop in Paris where he gained a reputation for high-quality electrical apparatus. While not the original inventor of the induction coil, he made significant improvements, leading to the production of longer sparks. Ruhmkorff's work earned him recognition, including being the first recipient of the Volta Prize in 1858.
 43 
Wilhelm Bauer
(Inventor)
Wilhelm Bauer
1
Birthdate: December 23, 1822
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Dillingen, Germany
Died: June 20, 1875
Wilhelm Bauer was a German engineer known for his work in building hand-powered submarines. Throughout his professional life, he focused on designing and constructing innovative underwater vessels. Bauer's expertise in engineering enabled him to create several submarines that were powered by human effort. His contributions to submarine technology showcased his dedication to advancing marine exploration and naval capabilities. Bauer's legacy is marked by his pioneering work in developing efficient and functional hand-powered submarines that have influenced the evolution of underwater navigation.
 44 
Johann Christoph Denner
(Musical Instrument maker)
Johann Christoph Denner
1
Birthdate: August 13, 1655
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Leipzig, Germany
Died: April 20, 1707
Johann Christoph Denner was a German woodwind instrument maker known for his work during the Baroque era. He established himself as an instrument maker in 1678 and was granted rights for the manufacture of French musical instruments in 1697. Denner is credited with the improvement of the chalumeau and is often attributed with the invention of the clarinet, although evidence for this is lacking. He produced around sixty-eight surviving instruments, with some attributed to his sons' workshops. Denner's legacy in the history of woodwind instruments is significant.
 45 
Berthold Schwarz
(German Alchemist)
Berthold Schwarz
1
Birthplace: Freiburg, Germany
Berthold Schwarz, also known as Berthold the Black or der Schwartzer, is a legendary figure in alchemy believed to have lived in the late 14th century. Credited with the invention of gunpowder in European literature from the 15th to the 19th century, Schwarz's purported activities took place between the first reports of gunpowder in Europe in the late 13th century and the effective use of gunpowder in artillery in the mid-15th century. While some believe Schwarz was a historical alchemist who developed gunpowder in Germany, others consider him to be purely a legendary character.
 46 
Eugen Langen
(Entrepreneur)
Eugen Langen
1
Birthdate: October 9, 1833
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Cologne, Germany
Died: October 2, 1895
Carl Eugen Langen was a German entrepreneur, engineer, and inventor known for his contributions to the development of the petrol engine and the Wuppertal Suspension Railway. He began his career at his father's sugar factory before patenting a method for producing sugar cubes. In 1870, he co-founded Pfeifer & Langen, a company that is still operational today. Langen's innovative spirit led him to sell his sugar cube production method to Sir Henry Tate of England in 1872, further solidifying his legacy in the field of engineering and business.
 47 
Hans Lippershey
(German-Dutch Spectacle-Maker)
Hans Lippershey
3
Birthdate: 1570 AD
Birthplace: Wesel, Germany
Died: August 31, 1619
Hans Lipperhey was a German-Dutch spectacle-maker known for his association with the invention of the telescope. He famously attempted to obtain a patent for the device, although it remains uncertain whether he was the actual first to construct a telescope. Lipperhey's professional life was marked by his contributions to optical innovation and his pioneering efforts in the field of lens-making. His work played a significant role in the development of early optical instruments and laid the foundation for advancements in observational astronomy.
 48 
Friedrich Gottlob Koenig
(Best Known for His High-Speed Steam-Powered Printing Press)
Friedrich Gottlob Koenig
2
Birthdate: April 17, 1774
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Eisleben, Germany
Died: January 17, 1833
Friedrich Gottlob Koenig was a German inventor renowned for his high-speed steam-powered printing press, developed in collaboration with Andreas Friedrich Bauer. He relocated to London, where he obtained a patent for his press in 1810. Koenig's press revolutionized the printing industry by significantly increasing efficiency, culminating in the successful printing of The Times in November 1814. Following a disagreement in 1817, he established the firm Koenig & Bauer in Würzburg, Germany, solidifying his legacy as a pioneering figure in printing technology.
 49 
Walter Zapp
(Inventor)
Walter Zapp
1
Birthdate: September 4, 1905
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Riga, Latvia
Died: July 17, 2003
Walter Zapp was a Baltic German inventor known for creating the Minox subminiature camera, a groundbreaking innovation in the field of photography. Throughout his professional life, he was granted over 60 patents, showcasing his ingenuity and contribution to technological advancements. His work revolutionized the way photographers captured images, setting a new standard for compact and portable camera design. Zapp's dedication to innovation and his numerous patents solidified his reputation as a prolific inventor with a lasting impact on the world of photography.
 50 
Adolf Slaby
(Electronics Pioneer)
Adolf Slaby
0
Birthdate: April 18, 1849
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Berlin, Germany
Died: April 6, 1913
Adolf Slaby was a pioneering figure in the field of electronics, serving as the first Professor of electro-technology at Technische Hochschule Charlottenburg (now Technische Universität Berlin) starting in 1886. Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to the development of wireless telegraphy and communication technologies. Slaby's work was instrumental in advancing the understanding and application of electrical engineering principles, laying the groundwork for future innovations in the field. His legacy continues to be recognized for its lasting impact on the field of technology.
 51 
Heinrich Barkhausen
(Physicist)
Heinrich Barkhausen
1
Birthdate: December 2, 1881
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Bremen, Germany
Died: February 20, 1956
Heinrich Barkhausen was a pioneering German physicist known for his significant contributions to the fields of electrical engineering and magnetism. He made groundbreaking discoveries such as the Barkhausen effect, which provided evidence for magnetic domain theory, and invented the Barkhausen-Kurz oscillator, an ultrahigh-frequency vacuum tube oscillator. His work also included deriving the Barkhausen stability criterion, which is widely used in the design of electronic oscillators and feedback amplifier circuits. Barkhausen's research and inventions have had a lasting impact on physics, engineering, and technology.
 52 
Carl August von Steinheil
(German Physicist, Inventor, Engineer and Astronomer)
Carl August von Steinheil
0
Birthdate: October 12, 1801
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Ribeauvillé, France
Died: September 14, 1870
Carl August von Steinheil was a versatile professional known for his contributions to various fields. As a physicist, he conducted research in optics and electricity, leading to the invention of the Steinheil lens. His engineering expertise was demonstrated through innovations in telegraphy and telephony systems. Additionally, he made significant contributions to astronomy by developing improved telescope designs. Steinheil's work exemplified his multidisciplinary approach and his ability to apply scientific principles across different domains, leaving a lasting impact on the fields of physics, engineering, and astronomy.
 53 
Georg Friedrich von Reichenbach
(Instrument maker)
Georg Friedrich von Reichenbach
0
Birthdate: August 24, 1771
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Durlach, Germany
Died: May 21, 1826
Georg Friedrich von Reichenbach was a renowned German scientific instrument maker. Throughout his professional life, he dedicated himself to the meticulous craftsmanship and innovation of scientific instruments. His work was highly regarded for its precision and quality, earning him a reputation as one of the leading figures in the field. Reichenbach's expertise and contributions played a significant role in advancing scientific research and experimentation during his time. His legacy continues to inspire and influence modern advancements in scientific instrument technology.
 54 
Heinrich Geissler
(Glassblower)
Heinrich Geissler
3
Birthdate: May 26, 1814
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Neuhaus am Rennweg, Germany
Died: January 24, 1879
Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Geißler was a skilled glassblower and physicist known for inventing the Geissler mercury vacuum pump and the Geissler tube. He worked in various German universities, including the University of Bonn, where he collaborated with physicist Julius Plücker on developing discharge tube technology. This led to the discovery of the electron in 1897 and laid the foundation for modern electronics and communication technologies. Geißler was recognized for his contributions with an honorary doctorate in 1868.
 55 
David Tannenberg
(Organ maker)
David Tannenberg
0
Birthdate: March 21, 1728
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Upper Lusatia, Germany
Died: May 19, 1804
David Tannenberg was a Moravian organ builder who moved to Pennsylvania and became the most significant American organ-builder of his era. Renowned for his craftsmanship, he constructed numerous organs and keyboard instruments during his lifetime. Tannenberg's organs are highly regarded for their quality and many of them are still in use today. Through his dedication and skill, he left a lasting impact on the American organ-building tradition, solidifying his legacy as a pioneering figure in the field.
 56 
Katharina Paulus
(Skydiver, Inventor)
Katharina Paulus
0
Birthdate: December 22, 1868
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Zellhausen, Mainhausen, Germany
Died: July 26, 1935
Katharina "Käthe" Paulus was a pioneering German exhibition parachute jumper and inventor of the first collapsible parachute. Her invention, initially named "rescue apparatus for aeronauts," was a crucial advancement during World War I, with Paulus producing around 7,000 parachutes for the German forces. She also created the innovative "drag 'chute" system. Paulus logged over 510 balloon flights and 165 parachute jumps, becoming the first German professional air pilot and female aerial acrobat. Her contributions significantly impacted the field of aeronautics.
 57 
Johann Nicolaus von Dreyse
(Inventor)
Johann Nicolaus von Dreyse
1
Birthdate: November 20, 1787
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Sommerda, Germany
Died: December 9, 1867
Johann Nicolaus von Dreyse was a German firearms inventor and manufacturer known for creating the Dreyse needle gun in 1836. This innovative design, adopted by the Prussian army in 1840, marked a significant advancement in ordnance technology, allowing for faster rates of fire and improved reloading capabilities. While not a modern bolt-action rifle, the Dreyse rifle's simple construction made maintenance easier, with the ability to quickly replace worn needles. Von Dreyse's contributions played a crucial role in the evolution of military firearms during his era.
 58 
Franz Aepinus
(Researcher)
Franz Aepinus
1
Birthdate: December 13, 1724
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Rostock, Germany
Died: August 10, 1802
Franz Aepinus was a prominent German mathematician, scientist, and natural philosopher who made significant contributions to the fields of electricity and magnetism during his professional career. He conducted both theoretical and experimental research in these areas, leading to important advancements and discoveries. Aepinus was known for his innovative approaches and deep understanding of the fundamental principles underlying these phenomena. His work in the Russian Empire solidified his reputation as a leading figure in the study of electricity and magnetism, leaving a lasting impact on the scientific community.
 59 
Herman Frasch
(Chemist)
Herman Frasch
1
Birthdate: December 25, 1851
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Gaildorf, Germany
Died: May 1, 1914
Herman Frasch was a prominent chemist, mining engineer, and inventor celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to the fields of petroleum and sulfur. He is particularly renowned for developing the Frasch process, a revolutionary method for extracting sulfur from underground deposits. Frasch's innovative techniques significantly improved sulfur mining practices, making it more efficient and cost-effective. His pioneering work not only advanced the industrial processes related to sulfur extraction but also solidified his reputation as a leading figure in the chemical and mining industries during his time.
 60 
Olav Zipser
(Skydiver)
Olav Zipser
0
Birthdate: March 12, 1966
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Siemern, West Germany
Olav Zipser is a pioneering figure in the world of skydiving, particularly known for his role in launching the freeflying movement in the early 1990s. Referred to as "The Father of FreeFly," he has significantly contributed to the growth of FreeFly as a sport, establishing training programs and innovative techniques. With an impressive track record of over 22,750 skydives, numerous gold medals, and training multiple world champion skydivers, Zipser's professional achievements also extend to his involvement in projects like the Human Synergy Project and Team Synergy Moon.