Early Life and Education of Werner Herzog: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 22, 2026

An overview of the childhood and early education of Werner Herzog, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Werner Herzog is a highly acclaimed German filmmaker, documentarian, actor, author, and opera director, central to the New German Cinema movement. His work is characterized by driven protagonists pursuing improbable goals, unique talents in niche areas, and the clash between humanity and nature. His distinctive filmmaking approach involves improvisation, eschewing storyboards, and immersing his team in authentic environments reflective of the film's subject matter. He's been honored with a Silver Bear Award, four Cannes Film Festival Awards, and an Academy Award nomination, cementing his place as a significant figure in cinema.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1967: Marriage to Martje Grohmann

In 1967, Werner Herzog married Martje Grohmann.

1973: Birth of son Rudolph Amos Achmed

In 1973, Werner Herzog's son Rudolph Amos Achmed was born.

1980: Birth of daughter Hanna Mattes

In 1980, Werner Herzog had a daughter named Hanna Mattes with Austrian-German actress Eva Mattes.

1985: Divorce from Martje Grohmann

In 1985, Werner Herzog divorced Martje Grohmann.

1987: Marriage to Christine Maria Ebenberger

In 1987, Werner Herzog married Christine Maria Ebenberger.

1989: Birth of son Simon

In 1989, Werner Herzog's son Simon was born.

1996: Move to Los Angeles

In 1996, Werner Herzog moved to Los Angeles.

1997: Divorce from Christine Maria Ebenberger

In 1997, Werner Herzog divorced Christine Maria Ebenberger.

1999: Marriage to Elena Pisetski

In 1999, Werner Herzog married Russian-American photographer Elena Pisetski.

2009: Rogue Film School Organization

From 2009 to 2016, Werner Herzog organized the Rogue Film School, in which young directors spent a few days with him in evocative locations.

2016: End of Rogue Film School Organization

From 2009 to 2016, Werner Herzog organized the Rogue Film School, in which young directors spent a few days with him in evocative locations.

2018: "Filming in Peru with Werner Herzog" Workshop

In 2018, Werner Herzog held "Filming in Peru with Werner Herzog", a 12-day workshop in the Amazonian rainforest, close to the locations for Fitzcarraldo, for new filmmakers from around the world, where each made a short film under Herzog's supervision.