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Klaus von DohnanyiGerman politician
Date of Birth: 23.06.1928
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Military Service and Legal Studies
- Legal and Business Career
- Political Career
- Member of the Bundestag
- Foreign Policy and Diplomatic Service
- Mayor of Hamburg
- Personal Life
Early Life and Education
Klaus von Dohnanyiwas born into a prominent German family in Hamburg, Germany. His father, Hans von Dohnanyi, was a lawyer and resistance fighter during Nazi Germany. His grandfather, Ernst von Dohnanyi (Ernő), was a renowned Hungarian composer and conductor.
Klaus von Dohnanyi received his secondary education at the prestigious St. Thomas School in Leipzig.
Military Service and Legal Studies
In 1944, Dohnanyi was drafted into the German army (Wehrmacht) during World War II. After the war, he studied law in Germany and at Yale University in the United States.
Legal and Business Career
Upon completing his studies, Dohnanyi worked as a legal advisor at the Ford factory in Cologne and later at a market research institute.
Political Career
Early CareerIn 1957, Dohnanyi joined the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). His political career took off in 1968 when he was appointed Deputy Minister of Economics and Labor.
Member of the Bundestag
In 1969, Dohnanyi was elected to the Bundestag (German parliament), where he served until 1981. During his tenure, he held the positions of Parliamentary State Secretary (i.e., Deputy Minister) in the Ministry of Education and Science and, from 1972 to 1974, as Minister of Education and Science.
Foreign Policy and Diplomatic Service
From 1976 to 1981, Dohnanyi served as Parliamentary State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mayor of Hamburg
In 1981, Dohnanyi resigned from the Bundestag and his ministerial position to become the Mayor of Hamburg. He held this office until 1988.
Personal Life
Klaus von Dohnanyi was married to the writer Ulla Hahn. Their son, Johannes von Dohnanyi (born 1952), is a notable German journalist.
