What is the name of the current Chancellor of Germany?

As of September 28, 2025, Germany’s Federal Chancellor is Friedrich Merz. He succeeded Olaf Scholz following the 2025 federal election; the Chancellor is elected by the Bundestag and heads the federal government.

• – Watch for cues like „zurzeit/derzeit/aktuell“; they signal you must use the current office holder.
• – Don’t confuse the Federal Chancellor (head of government) with the Federal President (head of state).
• – Eliminate options with clearly former office holders when the question says “now/today”.
• – If multiple familiar names appear, think about the most recent federal election and likely changeovers.
• – When unsure, check the official federal government site or the current Bundestag page for the incumbent’s name.