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Robert Emil Lembke, born Robert Emil Weichselbaum on September 17, 1913, in Munich, Germany, was a celebrated journalist turned legendary game-show host, best known for presenting the iconic German version of What’s My Line? (“Was bin ich?”) from 1955–1958 and 1961 until his death in 1989. His sharp wit, journalistic integrity, and profound cultural contributions earned him numerous honors, making him a household name in post-war German entertainment.

He was awarded the Bambi Award in 1985, recognized nationwide for his unparalleled contributions to German broadcasting.

7. Interesting Facts and Trivia

Originally born as Weichselbaum, he changed his surname in 1935 to avoid anti-Jewish backlash—yet maintained moral integrity by continuing to refuse the Hitler oath

5. Personal Life and Relationships

He married Heidi Berthold in August 1937. Their daughter was born in 1938. The marriage remained stable throughout his life. Despite the strains of Nazi-era Germany, Lembke kept his family life relatively private. His Jewish father emigrated, his mother passed away in 1937, and in 1944, Lembke briefly went into hiding in Fürholzen to avoid persecution

Co-founding Die Neue Zeitung placed him among Germany’s cultural renaissance circle of literary thinkers.

In 1952, he debuted his TV career with the quiz show Wann – Wo – Wie – Warum? He gained widespread fame as the longstanding host of Was bin ich?, presenting 337 episodes between 1955–58 and 1961–89. His intellectual charisma, gentle humor, and integrity made him a beloved national figure

At 18, he began law school but soon felt constrained and abandoned his studies to pursue writing and journalism. He wrote for Berliner Tageblatt and Simplicissimus, but after refusing to sign a Nazi loyalty oath, he was expelled from journalism, pushing him to work for IG Farben instead

8. Charitable Work and Legacy

Lembke rarely spoke publicly of philanthropy, but he used his platform to support post-war free expression and cultural rebuilding. Collaborating with liberal intellectuals, he helped restore trust in German media. No significant controversies clouded his career—his reputation remained solid and respected until his passing.

2. Career Beginnings and Key Milestones

After World War II, Lembke co-founded Die Neue Zeitung in Munich with notable intellectuals like Hans Habe, Erich Kästner, and Stefan Heym, focusing on political reporting. In 1949, he joined Bayerischer Rundfunk—first in radio, later rising to deputy TV director and head of news.

1. Early Life and Family Background

Robert was born Robert Emil Weichselbaum to Ignaz Weichselbaum, a Jewish-Austrian fashion merchant, and Maria Lembke. His parents divorced in 1918; his father relocated to Britain in 1936 due to the escalating persecution of Jews, while his mother remarried Gustav Posega. In 1935, Robert legally reclaimed his maternal surname, Lembke, after holding Austrian citizenship, distancing himself professionally from his Jewish heritage to survive under Nazi scrutiny

6. Net Worth and Lifestyle

At the time of his death, Lembke’s worth was estimated in the low millions of Euros, from decades of work in broadcasting, royalties from books, and investments. His lifestyle was modest; he lived in Munich, valued discretion, and was known to invest wisely in stable assets—but never flaunted his wealth.

4. Current Relevance & Recent Recognition

Though Lembke passed in 1989, his legacy lives on. In 2025, ARD and Deutschlandradio Kultur released retrospectives and documentaries (e.g. Welches Schweinderl hätten Sie denn gern? aired on September 17, 2013). He remains a benchmark for German TV moderators, shaping quiz formats across Europe

3. Notable Works and Achievements

Best remembered for Was bin ich?, Lembke received Goldene Kamera awards (1968, 1983) and the prestigious Bavarian Order of Merit in 1970. He also hosted and directed major broadcasts, including the 1954 FIFA World Cup, the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, and the 1974 World Cup—all under ARD/Bayerischer Rundfunk’s banner

  • Full Name: Robert Emil Lembke (née Weichselbaum)
  • Date of Birth: September 17, 1913
  • Place of Birth: Munich, Germany
  • Date of Death: January 14, 1989
  • Nationality: German
  • Occupation: Journalist, TV and radio presenter, author
  • Relationship Status: Married (1937–1989)
  • Spouse: Heidi Berthold (m. 1937)
  • Children: One daughter (born 1938)
  • Net Worth: ~ €2–3 million (estimated) from broadcasting, writing, assets in property & investments
  • Major Achievements: Iconic presentation ofWas bin ich?, Goldene Kamera (1968, 1983), Bambi (1985), Bavarian Order of Merit (1970)
  • Notable Awards: Bundesverdienstkreuz, Bavarian Merit Order

He reportedly hid in Fürholzen in 1944 to avoid arrest, showing resourcefulness and bravery

9. Future Plans & Cultural Impact

Although deceased, Robert Lembke’s influence endures. His pioneering quiz-show style is echoed in formats like Wer weiß denn sowas?. His moral stand and humility offer enduring lessons in integrity. Future documentaries and archival projects continue to celebrate his impact as one of Germany’s greatest media personalities.

Disclaimer: Robert Lembke wealth data updated April 2026.