Joachim Gauck is 86 years old as of October 2026. He was born on 24 January 1940.
Former President of Germany and anti-communist civil rights activist
Did you know?Before entering politics, he was a Lutheran pastor who led weekly prayers for peace in East Germany during the late eighties.
Quick facts
Date of birth24 January 1940
Age86
NationalityGerman
BirthplaceRostock, Germany
Occupationpolitician, pastor, non-fiction writer
Editor's Take:
Joachim Gauck spent his early life under communist rule. His father was deported to a Soviet labour camp. As a pastor in Rostock he became a voice of the 1989 protests. Then came the delicate task of opening the secret police files. Millions of Germans could see what had been recorded about them. As President he spoke often about freedom and responsibility. He also urged Germany to take a larger role in the world.
Key Milestones
1989: Helps lead protests in Rostock
1990: Becomes the first Stasi records commissioner
2012: Elected President
2017: Leaves office
Joachim Wilhelm Gauck (German:; born 24 January 1940) is a German politician who served as President of Germany from 2012 to 2017. A former Lutheran pastor, he came to prominence as an anti-communist civil rights activist in East Germany.
