President of Germany
Friedrich Ebert (SPD) served as Germany's first president, followed by Paul von Hindenburg. The office effectively came to an end upon Hindenburg's death in 1934 and its powers merged with those of chancellor. Adolf Hitler now ruled Germany as "Führer und Reichskanzler", combining his previous positions in party and government. The office, however, was not abolished and briefly revived at the end of the Second World War when Hitler appointed Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz as his successor as President of Germany. Dönitz agreed to the surrender to the Allies and was arrested a few days later.
President of Germany (1919–1945)
Upon "Generalfeldmarschall" von Hindenburg's death, Adolf Hitler merged the offices of Chancellor and head of state in his person. He styled himself "Führer und Reichskanzler" ("Leader and Chancellor"), but did not use the title of Reichspräsident. Upon his suicide on 30 April 1945, Hitler nominated "Großadmiral" Karl Dönitz to be President. Dönitz was arrested on 23 May 1945 and the office was dissolved.