Frederik Pleitgen Biography
Frederik Pleitgen is a highly experienced German journalist and international correspondent, currently he is serving as a Senior Correspondent for CNN International. He’s recognized for his on-the-ground reporting from some of the toughest conflict zones and political hotspots around the globe, having covered major global events throughout his remarkable journalism career.
Before joining CNN in 2006, Pleitgen sharpened his skills at several prominent German broadcasters, including ZDF, RTL, and the news channel n-tv.
Since becoming part of CNN, Pleitgen has reported extensively from Iraq, Pakistan, Libya, Syria, and Egypt. He was on the scene during the devastating floods in Pakistan in 2010, the Egyptian revolution in 2011, and the civil wars in both Libya and Syria. His thorough conflict reporting has earned him a reputation as one of CNN’s leading international correspondents.
Pleitgen has also filled in for Christiane Amanpour as the host of Amanpour from time to time. In 2015, he was in Paris covering the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo shooting, exploring the attack’s global implications.
From May 2013 to December 2014, Pleitgen took a brief detour back to RTL as a nighttime co-anchor while still contributing to CNN’s reporting in Germany. During that period, he also followed the German national team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
After leaving RTL in 2015, Pleitgen returned to his full-time role as a Senior International Correspondent for CNN International, based in London. In 2026, he continued his dedication to war and international affairs reporting, focusing on the ongoing conflict in Iran.
Frederik Pleitgen Education
Frederik graduated from Rheinische Wilhelms University in Bonn. He then went on to earn his master’s degree from the Free University of Berlin, where he focused his thesis on traditions in American journalism. He also spent some time at the New York University School of Journalism, where he was awarded a fellowship for the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy in San Fernando Valley.
Frederik Pleitgen Age
So, how old is Frederik? As of 2026, he’s 49 years old. He was born on August 19, 1976, in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. However, he hasn’t shared the exact day and month of his birth, so we’ll keep you updated as soon as we find out more.
Frederik Pleitgen Nationality
Frederik holds German nationality and citizenship. He was born and raised in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, and he identifies with white heritage.
Frederik Pleitgen Height
Frederik is about 5 feet 8 inches tall (approximately 1.71 m), which is considered average height for a man. However, he hasn’t publicly shared any other details about his body measurements.
Frederik Pleitgen Parents
He grew up in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, with his mother, Gerda Lichtenberg, and his father, Fritz Pleitgen. His father is a German correspondent and a former director of West German Broadcasting. Frederik hasn’t mentioned whether he has any siblings, and the family currently resides in Berlin.
Frederik Pleitgen Wife
Pleitgen is happily married to his beloved wife, Justyna Pleitgen, and together they have two children. While he keeps many details about his family life private, we’re keeping an eye on this area and will share any updates as soon as we have more information.
Frederik Pleitgen CNN International
Frederik Pleitgen is currently making a name for himself as a Senior Correspondent for CNN International. He’s recognized for his on-the-ground reporting from some of the toughest conflict zones and political hotspots around the globe, having covered major global events throughout his remarkable journalism career.
Before joining CNN in 2006, Pleitgen sharpened his skills at several prominent German broadcasters, including ZDF, RTL, and the news channel n-tv.
Since becoming part of CNN, Pleitgen has reported extensively from Iraq, Pakistan, Libya, Syria, and Egypt. He was on the scene during the devastating floods in Pakistan in 2010, the Egyptian revolution in 2011, and the civil wars in both Libya and Syria. His thorough conflict reporting has earned him a reputation as one of CNN’s leading international correspondents.
Pleitgen has also filled in for Christiane Amanpour as the host of Amanpour from time to time. In 2015, he was in Paris covering the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo shooting, exploring the attack’s global implications.
From May 2013 to December 2014, Pleitgen took a brief detour back to RTL as a nighttime co-anchor while still contributing to CNN’s reporting in Germany. During that period, he also followed the German national team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
After leaving RTL in 2015, Pleitgen returned to his full-time role as a Senior International Correspondent for CNN International, based in London. In 2026, he continued his dedication to war and international affairs reporting, focusing on the ongoing conflict in Iran.
Frederik Pleitgen Salary
When it comes to his career, Frederik earns a solid income as a Senior International reporter and correspondent for CNN, with an annual salary averaging around $160,000.
Frederik Pleitgen Net Worth
As for his net worth, Frederik has built a respectable fortune through his work in journalism. Over the years, he has managed to accumulate an estimated net worth of about $3 million.