Current content on the activities of the Federal President

"In 2025, everyone should really take a look"

"C the Unseen" – this was the motto under which Chemnitz started the year 2025 as European Capital of Culture. Federal President Steinmeier paid tribute to the motto in his opening speech.

The Federal President stands in front of the Karl Marx Momument in Chemnitz and gives a speech

"Germany will be a passionate advocate for Europe in the future, too"

At the New Year reception for the Diplomatic Corps, Federal President Steinmeier emphasized the continuity of German foreign policy.

The Federal President stands surrounded by some of his guests in the Great Hall and is photographed

"Let’s stand together!"

In his Christmas Message, Federal President Steinmeier encourages his fellow citizens to stand together: "A commitment to the common good and drive, creativity and hard work and, last but not least, trust in ourselves: All of this will open up new paths to the future for us."

During his annual Christmas address, Federal President Steinmeier is standing in front of an illuminated christmas tree (left) and his standard (right), smiling into the camera

News

"Germany will be a passionate advocate for Europe in the future, too"

format: Speech

Schloss Bellevue, , 14 January 2025

"This day stands for the highest peaks we have climbed in our history"

format: Speech

Schloss Bellevue, , 7 November 2024

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier gives a speech at the event "35 Years of Peaceful Revolution: Victory of Freedom? Exaggerated myth? Endangered legacy?"

Federal President Steinmeier congratulates Donald J. Trump

format: press release

6 November 2024

Federal President Steinmeier has congratulated Donald J. Trump on his election victory.

"I ask you for your forgiveness"

format: Speech

Kandanos/Greece, , 31 October 2024

Federal President Steinmeier bends down to an elderly woman and holds her hand

Federal President Steinmeier stands at a lectern and gives a speech

"We are united today by much more than our common history"

format: Speech

Athens/Greece, , 30 October 2024

Federal President Steinmeier stands at a festively laid table and speaks

"Your job is far from done"

format: Speech

Athens/Greece, , 30 October 2024

Federal President Steinmeier gives a speech in a large hall with bookshelves on the wall

show all

The Federal President

More about Frank-Walter Steinmeier More about Elke Büdenbender

Bundespräsident Frank-Walter Steinmeier und Elke Büdenbender begrüßen die Gäste des Bürgerfestes (Archivbild)

Role and Functions

Learn more

Head of State

The Basic Law, Germany’s constitution, devotes an entire chapter to the Federal President. Besides the tasks and powers outlined in this section, others are described elsewhere in the constitution or in other laws, and still more have simply become established over time.

Blick in den Bundestag bei der Bundesversammlung (Archiv)

Honours and decorations

Honouring individuals who have rendered distinguished services to the nation has traditionally been one of the head of state's duties. In the Federal Republic of Germany, as in nearly all countries in the world, honours and decorations are awarded as a way of paying public tribute to an outstanding individual.