List of honorary citizens of Hamburg


The honorary citizen award is the highest decoration of Hamburg, Germany. The awards have been given sporadically since 1813, originally only to non-Hamburg citizens "to make them as one of us". Since 1948, it has been extended to Hamburg citizens as well.
The awards are given by the Senate of Hamburg, and since 1848 the state parliament is asked to confirm the honor. It can also be revoked, and gives no rights or duty.

Honorary Citizens of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg

Listed by year of award:
DateNameNotes
1813Friedrich Karl von Tettenborn Russian Colonel and diplomat
"Because the Lord has guided the restoration of the independence of Hamburg so fortunate and carried out the liberation of the Napoleonic occupation forces."
1816Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher Prussian field marshal
"The prince had stated to the Mayor, that it would be very glad to be rewarded with the citizenship."
1826August Otto Graf Grote Prussian Secret Council and diplomat to Hamburg
"On the recommendation of Counselor Büscher."
1834James Colquhoun Hanseatic Consul General to London
"On the recommendation of Dr. Abendroth in terms of special achievements."
1838Georg Michael Gramlich Merchant, Hanseatic diplomat to Venezuela
"Closure of a friendship, trade and navigation treaty with Venezuela on 27 May 1837."
1843Johann Smidt Mayor of Bremen
"Acknowledging the assistance after the Great Fire of Hamburg."
1843Eduard Heinrich von Flottwell Prussian Secret Council
"Acknowledging the assistance after the Great Fire."
1843Conrad Daniel Graf von Blücher-Altona Danish Secret Council and President of the city of Altona
"Acknowledging the assistance after the Great Fire."
1843Heinrich Christoph Gottfried von Struve Russian Secret Council and diplomat to the Hanseatic cities
"On the occasion of his 50th anniversary o service and for his efforts in the promotion of science."
1871Otto von Bismarck Chancellor of the German Empire
"Services for the reborn and united German Fatherland"
1871Helmuth Karl Bernhard, Graf von Moltke Prussian General
"Services for the reborn and united German Fatherland"
1886Gustav Christian Schwabe Merchant in London
"Gift of 128 paintings to the Kunsthalle"
1889Johannes Brahms Composer, the only Hamburg resident before 1948
"Through the outstanding works brought honor and glory to his native town"
1901Alfred Graf von Waldersee Prussian field marshal
"Activity in maintaining world peace."
1917Paul von Hindenburg Prussian field marshal
"Grateful reverence of the victorious and glorious commander."
1948Henry Everling Senator of Hamburg
"Contributions to the common good."
1950Adolph Schönfelder President of the Hamburg Parliament and First Mayor of Hamburg
"Contributions to the common good and constructive cooperation between the ruling majority and opposition."
1960Max Brauer First Mayor of Hamburg
"Contributions to the common good."
1971Herbert Weichmann First Mayor of Hamburg
"Contributions to the common good."
1978Herbert Dau President of the Hamburg Parliament
"Contributions to the common good."
1983Helmut Schmidt German chancellor
"For his statesmanship and great contributions to the common good of Hamburg."
1985Ida Ehre Actress and director
"Outstanding contributions to the intellectual and cultural reconstruction of our country and the city of Hamburg."
1986Herbert Wehner Member of the Bundestag
"Has made a contribution to the reconstruction of our country and our city of Hamburg."
1986Gerd Bucerius Politician, journalist, and employer
"Has shaped the history of media and great contribution to our country and our city of Hamburg."
1991Kurt A. Körber Employer and founder
"Outstanding contribution to the Federal Republic of Germany, the reconstruction of Hamburg and the promotion of science and culture."
1991Alfred Toepfer Merchant and founder
"Outstanding contribution to the Federal Republic of Germany, the reconstruction of Hamburg and the promotion of science and culture."
1993Rudolf Augstein Publisher and journalist
"Outstanding contribution to Hamburg as the media capital of Germany."
1999Marion Gräfin Dönhoff Publisher and publicist
"Extraordinary contributions to freedom, justice and human rights."
2001Siegfried Lenz Writer
"Has contributed with his literary work for the renewal and recognition of Germany in the spirit of humanism."
2003Uwe Seeler The first sports person receiving the honorary citizenship.
2005Hannelore and Helmut GreveMajor figures in construction sector; also patrons and sponsors of cultural establishments.
2007John NeumeierThe first artist to receive the honorary citizenship and the first foreign born.
2009Loki Schmidt Contributions to preservation of endangered plants.

Revoked