The office of President of Germany was first created in 1919, replacing the emperor as head of state, with Friedrich Ebert (SPD) serving as the first president. The presidential standard, adopted in 1921, is still used today. While Germany had a semi-presidential system during the Weimar Republic, today's presidential office is mainly supervising and ceremonial, with the Chancellor of Germany generally seen as wielding the effective power and guideline authority in everyday politics.
The current officeholder is Joachim Gauck who was elected on 18 March 2012.
The current officeholder is Joachim Gauck who was elected on 18 March 2012.