Frederik Pleitgen, CNN, Wikipedia, Age, Wife, Height, Salary and Net Worth
Frederik Pleitgen Wikipedia
Frederik Pleitgen is a seasoned German journalist currently serving as a Senior International Correspondent for CNN, based at the network’s London bureau. Since joining CNN, Pleitgen has brought a unique German perspective to global reporting, helping audiences understand the political, economic, and cultural dynamics of Europe. Between 2006 and 2014, he served as CNN’s Berlin correspondent, offering deep insights into Germany’s central role in European affairs.
How Old is Frederik Pleitgen? | Age and Birthday
As of 2025, Frederik Pleitgen is 48 years old. He was born on August 19, 1976, in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. He celebrates his birthday annually on August 19th.
Education | High School and University Background
Frederik Pleitgen received a well-rounded and international education. He studied at the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University of Bonn before attending the Free University of Berlin, where he completed his master’s thesis on American journalistic traditions. Additionally, he studied journalism for a year at the School of Journalism at New York University (NYU). In 2004, he received a fellowship from the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy in San Fernando Valley.
Nationality and Ethnicity
Frederik Pleitgen holds German nationality and was born and raised in Cologne, Germany. He is of white European ethnicity.
How Tall is Frederik Pleitgen? | Height and Body Stats
Frederik stands at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters) tall, which is considered average height. He has not publicly shared further details regarding his weight or other body measurements.
Family Background | Parents and Early Life
Pleitgen was born into a prominent media family. His father, Fritz Pleitgen, was a well-known German journalist and former director of Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR), one of Germany’s largest broadcasting networks. His mother is Gerda Lichtenberg. Raised in a media-savvy environment, Frederik developed an early interest in journalism and storytelling. He is currently based in Berlin, where he lives with his family.
Is Frederik Pleitgen Married? | Wife and Family Life
Yes, Frederik Pleitgen is married. His wife is Justyna Pleitgen, and together they share two children. While he keeps his personal life largely out of the spotlight, it’s known that he values family and privacy.
CNN Career Highlights
Frederik Pleitgen joined CNN in 2006, and his career has since been marked by groundbreaking international coverage:
He reported extensively on German elections in 2009 and 2013, offering detailed analysis of political shifts in Europe.
Covered the Charlie Hebdo terror attack aftermath in Paris, providing on-the-ground insights during a time of global concern.
As one of the first Western journalists in Damascus, he reported on the Syrian conflict, including the 2013 chemical attacks, and was present in Aleppo when it was retaken by Syrian forces in 2016.
Pleitgen played a key role during the Arab Spring, reporting from Egypt as the revolution unfolded and eventually led to the fall of President Mubarak. His work contributed to CNN’s Emmy Award-winning coverage of the Cairo protests.
In addition to Middle Eastern conflict zones, Pleitgen has covered breaking news events across Europe, Russia, and the U.S., showcasing his versatility and global reach as a journalist.
Frederik Pleitgen Salary
As a Senior International Correspondent at CNN, Frederik earns an estimated annual salary of $70,000 as of 2025. His extensive experience and global coverage responsibilities reflect a well-compensated career in international journalism.
Net Worth of Frederik Pleitgen
With nearly two decades of experience in high-profile reporting roles, Frederik Pleitgen has built a successful journalism career. His estimated net worth is around $3 million as of 2025, a result of his long-standing work with CNN and his contributions to international news coverage.
