Germans Who Died in the 2020s Trivia Quiz

Answer: Gerd Müller

Gerd Müller, born on 3 November 1945 in Nördlingen, Germany, is widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in the history of football. Nicknamed "The Bomber", Müller was renowned for his incredible goal-scoring ability, quick reflexes and clinical finishing.

Müller's professional career began in 1964 with Bayern Munich, where he became a central figure in the team's rise to dominance in both the Bundesliga and European competitions. He scored 365 goals in 427 Bundesliga appearances and 68 goals in 62 international appearances for West Germany.

Among his most notable achievements was winning the 1974 FIFA World Cup, scoring the winning goal in the final against the Netherlands. Müller also helped West Germany win the 1972 European Championship, scoring twice in the final against the Soviet Union.

In 1972, Müller set a record by scoring 85 goals in a calendar year, a milestone that stood for 40 years until Lionel Messi surpassed it in 2012. After retiring from playing, Müller faced personal challenges, but later found a role as a coach at Bayern Munich, where he contributed to the club's success off the pitch.

Gerd Müller died in Wolfratshausen, Bavaria, on 15 August 2021 at the age of 75.

Answer: Christa Ludwig

Christa Ludwig, born in Berlin on 16 March 1928, was one of the most important mezzo-sopranos of the 20th century. Ludwig's mother, a contralto, and her father, an opera administrator, greatly influenced her musical upbringing, which led to her debut in Frankfurt in 1946.

Ludwig's career spanned four decades and she became particularly famous for her performances at the Vienna State Opera, where she was a member from 1955 to 1994. Her repertoire was extensive and included both operatic roles and lieder. Ludwig was acclaimed for her interpretations of roles such as the Marschallin in Richard Strauss's "Der Rosenkavalier", Leonore in Beethoven's "Fidelio" and Kundry in Wagner's "Parsifal".

In addition to her operatic achievements, Ludwig was also celebrated for her concert performances, especially in the works of Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss. Her recordings of Mahler's "Das Lied von der Erde" and Strauss's "Four Last Songs" remain highly regarded.

Throughout her career, Ludwig received numerous awards and honours, including the title of Kammersängerin in Vienna. She retired from the stage in 1994, but continued to teach and give masterclasses, sharing her wealth of knowledge with new generations of singers.

Christa Ludwig died on 24 April 2021 in Klosterneubeug, Austria.

Answer: Hardy Krüger

Hardy Krüger, born in Berlin on 12 April 1928, was a well-known German actor and writer. His early years were marked by a forced association with the Hitler Youth, from which he eventually distanced himself, especially after witnessing the horrors of war.

Krüger's acting career took off after the Second World War and he quickly became one of Germany's most prominent film stars. He gained international recognition with his performance in "The One That Got Away" (1957), where he played a German fighter pilot. This role opened doors for him in Hollywood, leading to major roles in films such as "The Flight of the Phoenix" (1965), "A Bridge Too Far" (1977) and Stanley Kubrick's "Barry Lyndon" (1975).

In addition to his film career, Krüger was also an accomplished author, writing several books that reflected his adventurous spirit and varied experiences. He wrote novels, travel books and autobiographical works, sharing his unique insights and stories from his life and travels.

Krüger received numerous awards throughout his career, including a Bambi and the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. His contributions to cinema and literature have had a lasting influence on both fields.

Hardy Krüger died in Palm Springs, California, on 19 January 2022 at the age of 93.

Answer: Udo Walz

Udo Walz, born on 28 July 1944 in Waiblingen, Germany, was a renowned German hairstylist who became famous for his work with many celebrities, politicians and other high-profile clients. Beginning his career at the age of 14, Walz trained in a salon in Stuttgart and quickly gained a reputation for his skill and creativity.

In the 1960s, Walz moved to Berlin, where he opened his first salon. His exceptional talent and charismatic personality quickly attracted a loyal clientele, including famous figures such as Marlene Dietrich, Romy Schneider and Chancellor Angela Merkel. Walz's influence extended beyond his salons as he became a media personality, frequently appearing on television and in magazines.

Walz's career spanned several decades, during which he opened several salons and launched his own line of hair care products. He was known for his innovative styles and his ability to make each client feel special. His salons in Berlin were considered hotspots for the elite, further cementing his status as a celebrity hairstylist.

Despite his success, Walz remained grounded and dedicated to his craft. He was known for his warm and approachable nature, which endeared him to clients and colleagues alike. His contributions to the beauty industry were recognised with numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.

Udo Walz passed away in Berlin on 20 November 2020 at the age of 76.

Answer: Inge Deutschkron

Inge Deutschkron, born on 23 August 1922 in Finsterwalde, Germany, was a renowned German journalist, author and Holocaust survivor. She is best known for her memoir "Ich trug den gelben Stern" ("I Wore the Yellow Star"), which recounts her harrowing experiences during the Nazi regime and her survival in hiding in Berlin.

Deutschkron grew up in a Jewish family in Berlin. As the persecution of Jews intensified during World War II, she and her mother went into hiding to escape deportation to concentration camps. Despite the constant threat of discovery, they managed to survive the war with the help of courageous friends and strangers.

After the war, Deutschkron worked as a journalist and dedicated her life to documenting and educating others about the horrors of the Holocaust. Her memoir, published in 1978, is a poignant and powerful account of her experiences and serves as an important historical document.

In addition to her writing, Deutschkron was an active public speaker, sharing her story with audiences around the world to ensure that the atrocities of the Holocaust are never forgotten. She received numerous awards and honours for her contributions to literature and Holocaust education. She repeatedly declined the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany on the grounds that many former Nazis had received it.

Inge Deutschkron died in Berlin on 9 March 2022 at the age of 99.

Answer: Wolfgang Schäuble

Wolfgang Schäuble, born on 18 September 1942 in Freiburg im Breisgau, is one of Germany's most enduring and influential politicians. A member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Schäuble's career spans several decades and is marked by significant contributions to both national and European politics.

Schäuble began his political journey in the 1970s and quickly rose through the ranks. He became a close advisor to Chancellor Helmut Kohl and played a crucial role in the reunification of Germany in 1990. His expertise and negotiating skills were indispensable in the complex political landscape of this historic period.

In 1990, Schäuble survived an assassination attempt that left him paralysed and confined to a wheelchair. Despite this life-changing event, he continued his political career with remarkable resilience and determination.

Schäuble served as the Minister of the Interior from 1989 to 1991 and again from 2005 to 2009, focusing on issues of national security and immigration. However, it was his tenure as the Minister of Finance from 2009 to 2017 that cemented his legacy. During this time, Schäuble was a staunch advocate of fiscal austerity and discipline, particularly during the Eurozone crisis, which earned him both praise and harsh criticism.

In 2017, Schäuble was elected President of the Bundestag (the German federal parliament), a role in which he oversaw parliamentary procedure and maintained order during debates. His tenure as Bundestag President was characterised by his firm but fair approach, underlining his commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.

On 26 December 2023, Schäuble died in Offenburg at the age of 81.

Answer: Hans Magnus Enzensberger

Hans Magnus Enzensberger, born on 11 November 1929 in Kaufbeuren, Bavaria, was a prolific German writer, poet, translator and editor. His literary career spanned six decades, during which he established himself as one of the most important voices in post-war German literature.

Enzensberger's work was characterised by its sharp wit, intellectual depth and engagement with political and social issues. He was known for his essays, poems and plays, which often criticised contemporary society, politics and culture. His first collection of poems, "verteidigung der wölfe" ("Defence of the Wolves"), published in 1957, received considerable attention and set the tone for his future work.

In addition to his poetry and essays, Enzensberger made significant contributions as a translator and editor. He translated works by renowned authors such as Federico García Lorca and Paul Valéry into German, and he edited several influential literary journals, including "Kursbuch" which he co-founded in 1965. This publication became an important platform for left-wing intellectual debate in Germany.

Enzensberger's diverse body of work includes notable titles such as "Der Untergang der Titanic" ("The Sinking of the Titanic"), an epic poem published in 1978 that reflects on the human condition through the lens of the famous maritime disaster. His collections of essays, such as "Mittelmaß und Wahn: Gesammelte Zerstreuungen" ("Mediocrity and Delusion: Collected Diversions"), offer insightful and often provocative commentary on a wide range of topics.

Throughout his career, Enzensberger received numerous accolades, including the Georg Büchner Prize, Germany's most prestigious literary award, in 1963. His contributions to literature and his influence on intellectual discourse in Germany and beyond have left an indelible mark.

Hans Magnus Enzensberger died in Munich on 24 November 2022 at the age of 93.

Answer: Siegfried Fischbacher

Born on 13 June 1939 in Rosenheim, Bavaria, Siegfried Fischbacher was a legendary magician and entertainer, best known as one half of the iconic duo Siegfried & Roy. Together with his partner Roy Horn, Siegfried became famous for his groundbreaking and spectacular magic acts featuring white lions and tigers.

Siegfried's fascination with magic began in his youth and led him to work on various cruise ships, where he met Roy Horn. Their complementary skills and shared passion for big cat conservation and illusion magic soon made them a formidable team.

Siegfried & Roy rose to international fame, particularly for their performances in Las Vegas. They debuted at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in the 1960s and secured a long-term residency at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in 1990. Their show, known for its grandeur and inclusion of rare and endangered animals, became one of the most popular and profitable acts in Las Vegas history.

Their innovative use of big cats in their performances drew both admiration and criticism. Siegfried & Roy were recognised for their contributions to wildlife conservation. The duo founded Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage, which provided a sanctuary for their beloved animals.

Tragedy struck in 2003 when Roy Horn was seriously injured by one of their tigers during a performance. This incident led to the end of their regular shows, although Siegfried & Roy remained active in philanthropy and animal welfare.

Siegfried Fischbacher died on 13 January 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 81 years old and outlived Roy by a couple of months only.

Answer: Franz Beckenbauer

Born in Munich on 11 September 1945, Franz Beckenbauer is one of the most iconic figures in the history of football. Nicknamed "Der Kaiser" ("The Emperor") for his exceptional playing style and commanding presence on the pitch, Beckenbauer is celebrated for his contributions to the game as both a player and a manager.

Beckenbauer began his professional career in 1964 with Bayern Munich, where he played as a centre-back and sweeper, a position he helped redefine with his unique combination of defensive skills and playmaking ability. During his time with Bayern, he won several Bundesliga titles and European Cups and became a key figure in the team's dominance in the 1970s.

Internationally, Beckenbauer enjoyed great success with West Germany. He played a crucial role in the victory at the 1974 FIFA World Cup, captaining the team to a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in the final. His leadership and tactical intelligence were essential in securing the title.

After retiring from playing, Beckenbauer moved into management and continued to leave his mark on the sport. He led Germany to another World Cup victory in 1990, becoming one of only three people to have won the World Cup as both a player and a manager. His managerial career also included successful spells with clubs such as Bayern Munich and Olympique de Marseille.

Beckenbauer's influence extended beyond the pitch as he became an important figure in football administration. He played a key role in bringing the 2006 FIFA World Cup to Germany and served as the president of Bayern Munich, contributing to the club's continued success. Beckenbauer has received numerous honours and awards, including being named European Footballer of the Year twice and being inducted into the FIFA World Cup Dream Team.

Der Kaiser passed away in Munich on 7 January 2024 at the age of 78.

Answer: Eva-Maria Hagen

Eva-Maria Hagen, born on 19 October 1934 in Költschen, Germany (now Kołczyn, Poland), was a prominent German actress and singer known for her versatile talent and captivating performances in East German cinema and television. Her beauty and charisma earned her the nickname "Brigitte Bardot of the East".

Hagen's career began in the 1950s when she joined the "Deutsches Theater" in Berlin. She quickly rose to fame with her roles in several DEFA (Deutsche Film-Aktiengesellschaft) films, such as "Studentin Helene Willfüer" (1956) and "Vergesst mir meine Traudel nicht" (1957). Her performances showed her range and ability to connect with audiences and secured her status as a leading actress in East Germany.

In addition to her acting career, Eva-Maria Hagen was also an accomplished singer. She released numerous albums and songs that established her as a multi-faceted artist. Her music often had political undertones, reflecting the social and political climate of East Germany.

Hagen's private life was also notable. She was in a relationship with the singer-songwriter Wolf Biermann, whose criticism of the East German government led to his expatriation in 1976. Hagen faced significant professional repercussions as a result of her association with Biermann, including being banned from performing in East Germany. This led to her moving to West Germany in the late 1970s, where she continued her career. Eva-Maria Hagen was the mother of Nina Hagen, a well-known German punk singer.

Eva-Maria Hagen died on 16 August 2022 in Hamburg at the age of 87.