A deep look into How Tall Was Hitler? Exactly According to most historical accounts, Adolf Hitler was about 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall.
Who is Hitler?
Adolf Hitler, the notorious dictator and leader of Nazi Germany during World War II, was known for his passionate speeches and ruthless policies. But beyond his political ideology and actions, Hitler’s physical appearance itself has been the subject of both fascination and speculation over the decades. One of the most common questions that arises is – how tall was Hitler exactly? Let’s take an in-depth look at the evidence surrounding the Fuhrer’s height.
Hitler’s Official Height Statistics
According to most historical accounts, Adolf Hitler was about 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. However, there has been much debate over whether this was his actual height or whether it was exaggerated for propaganda purposes.
Hitler’s World War I Military Records
The earliest primary source for Hitler’s height comes from his World War I military service records in 1914-1918. His German Army file lists his height at the time as 1.75 meters, which converts to 5 feet 9 inches.
Hitler’s Personal Driver’s Estimate
Hitler’s personal driver, Erich Kempka, was quoted as saying that the Fuhrer was “shorter than average”, estimating his height to be around 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm). However, drivers are not the most reliable witnesses for exact height data.
Medical Records from Childhood
As a child, Hitler’s school medical records from 1905 measured his height at 130 centimeters, which equates to 4 feet 3 inches. This suggests Hitler gained around 1 foot and 6 inches (46 cm) in height from childhood to adulthood.
Speculation and Rumors on Hitler’s Height
Despite the official records pointing to 5 feet 9 inches, there has been a great deal of debate and guesswork around Hitler’s stature over the decades. Here are some of the key theories:
Suggestions Hitler Was Shorter Than Average Height
Many observers, like his driver Kempka, characterized Hitler as shorter than the average German man at the time. His small mustache, slicked-back hairstyle, and behavior were theorized as possible overcompensation for a “Napoleon complex”.
Rumors of Hitler Using Hidden Platforms
Rumors circulated that Hitler wore shoes with elevated platforms or lifts to appear taller in public. There is little evidence for this, but it remains an intriguing theory.
Accounts of Hitler Being 5 Feet 5 Inches
In contrast to his official height, some accounts list Hitler as short as 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm). However, these tend to be uncorroborated or exaggerated claims.
Possibility of Exaggerating Height for Image
Some historians believe Hitler’s height may have been boosted by up to 2 inches in official Nazi propaganda to present a more impressive, commanding image as Germany’s Fuhrer.
Hitler’s Height Relative to Associates and Inner Circle
By comparing Hitler’s height to other members of his inner circle, we can also gain perspective on how tall he was relative to his peers. Click to read about Inherited House Fresno.
Compared to Eva Braun
Hitler’s mistress and later wife, Eva Braun, was 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall. In photos together, Hitler appears only slightly taller than her.
Compared to Joseph Goebbels
Propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels was 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall, very close to Hitler’s height based on most accounts.
Compared to Himmler and Other Associates
Heinrich Himmler, Reinhard Heydrich, Rudolf Hess, and other Nazi officials were around 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches (175 – 178 cm) – similar to or marginally taller than Hitler.
Hitler’s Height and Image as Fuhrer
Hitler’s height, whether accurately recorded or exaggerated, played a role in his public image and persona as Germany’s authoritarian leader.
Height and Persona
Hitler used his average height along with dramatic gestures and body language to convey a powerful, mesmerizing presence as a speaker.
Military Uniforms and Boots
Hitler’s tailored uniforms, long coats, and boots with height-boosting heels maintained an imposing military look that belied his unimpressive stature.
Propaganda Photographs and Films
Favorable camera angles in Nazi propaganda photographs and films enhanced Hitler’s height to convey strength and dominance as the Fuhrer.
Height Relative to Bodyguards and Generals
Hitler was often flanked by tall bodyguards and generals to prevent him from looking small in comparison during public appearances.
Did Hitler’s Height Impact His Actions and Psychology?
An intriguing question is whether Hitler’s physical stature may have influenced his outlook or the decisions he made as Germany’s dictator from 1933 to 1945.
Theories on “Short Man Syndrome”
Some have speculated that Hitler had a Napoleon complex and overcompensated for his lack of height through acts of aggression – but no proof exists of this “short man syndrome”.
Impact on Speaking Style and Body Language
Hitler’s forceful, dramatic speaking style with bold gestures may have developed in part to boost his perceived size and convey authority.
Height and Inferiority Complex?
Hitler’s anti-Semitism has been linked by some psychologists to a possible inferiority complex and overcompensation related to his unimposing height.
Questionable Impact on Military Strategy
It is highly speculative to tie Hitler’s stature to flaws in military strategy such as the disastrous invasion of Russia – his ideology was the key driver.
No Clear Proof of Impact on Psychology
While Hitler’s height is intriguing, most historians maintain there is no definitive evidence it meaningfully impacted his psychology or decision-making.
Measuring Up: How Hitler’s Height Compared to Other Leaders
Looking at other famous leaders throughout history, how did Hitler’s height measure up?
Compared to Napoleon Bonaparte
Hitler and Napoleon Bonaparte were both 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall – below average, but able to project authority.
Compared to Stalin, Churchill, and FDR
Joseph Stalin was 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm), while Winston Churchill was 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) and Franklin D. Roosevelt was 6 feet (183 cm) – giving them a slight edge over Hitler.
Compared to Other World War II Military Leaders
Famous generals like Rommel (5′ 8″), Patton (5′ 11″), and MacArthur (5′ 10″) were generally a bit taller than Hitler.
Compared to Modern World Leaders
The average height of modern leaders and presidents is around 5 feet 10 inches – several inches above Hitler’s based on known height data.
Final Words
In the final analysis, Adolf Hitler stood around 5 feet 9 inches tall according to most reliable sources and records – slightly below the average height for European men of his era. While his stature fueled rumors and various theories, no conclusive evidence shows that Hitler’s height meaningfully impacted his psychology or decisions as Germany’s dictator. However, his below-average height did subtly shape his public image and persona, forcing him to find ways to project authority and stature during speeches and appearances. While his exact height will continue to be a trivial point of interest for history buffs, Hitler’s pernicious ideology and actions had a far greater impact on the world than his physical proportions.
