Günther Jauch honored with the Order of Merit of the State of Brandenburg in Potsdam

According to the State Chancellery, Jauch was honored for his commitment to the restoration of historic buildings in Potsdam. Born in Münster, the host has for years been contributing substantial donations especially to the famous palace and garden complexes of the state capital. In his own words, he has lived in Potsdam for about 30 years. "Das ist jetzt dann doch schon gute 30 Jahre lang, und da können alle anderen Orte nicht mithalten", said Jauch, who was born in Münster. In a dpa interview he also stated: "Er habe noch nie so lange an einem Ort gewohnt wie in Potsdam".

Minister-President Woidke praised the scope of the commitment in clear terms. "Abseits des Rampenlichts engagiere er sich dafür, dass Potsdamer Aushängeschilder in neuem Glanz erstrahlten", said Woidke. He also emphasized that Jauch impresses "als TV-Moderator beeindrucke Jauch mit Schlagfertigkeit, einer ordentlichen Portion Humor und mit erstaunlichem Wissen". Brandenburg is rich in people who stand up for others, he added: "Die Ausgezeichneten zeigten Leidenschaft, Engagement und Herzblut - diese Ressource sei ein 'rarer Schatz'".

Woidke also combined the award ceremony with an appeal. He hoped "dass ihre Beispiele viele Nachahmer finden". Regarding Jauch's commitment, the SPD politician said: "Das ist ein großes Glück" for the state of Brandenburg.

Other Honorees: Holocaust Survivor and Former Deutsche Bahn Board Member

In addition to Jauch, the honorees included the Holocaust survivor Richard Fagot as well as Daniela Gerd tom Markotten, who is listed as a former member of the Board of Management of Deutsche Bahn. This year's awards thus range in breadth from cultural patronage and economic responsibility to remembrance-cultural engagement.

At the ceremony in the Potsdam State Chancellery, Jauch was visibly moved. He said he was especially pleased about the company in which he was being honored. "Vor allen Dingen waren da Menschen mit dabei, die den Orden bekommen haben, wo man sich schon sehr freuen kann, dass man in deren Gesellschaft ausgezeichnet worden ist", said the 69-year-old, who hosts the quiz show "Wer wird Millionär?".

Jauch on the Order: "Prussian Restrained"

Regarding the design of the order, Jauch found words of praise: The award was "sehr, wie soll ich sagen, preußisch zurückhaltend gehalten". In addition, the Order of Merit had "einen unschätzbaren Vorteil, vor allen Dingen im Vergleich zu Fernsehpreisen". TV trophies, by contrast, were "besonders schwer, besonders unförmig und auch zuweilen von der Ästhetik her relativ umstritten": "Die landen im Allgemeinen bei mir in der Garage oder im Keller."

Beyond his personal declaration of loyalty to Potsdam, Jauch's connection to the Saar region was also mentioned at the State Chancellery: he owns a winery on the Saar in Rhineland-Palatinate. This second pillar also connects him to a traditional cultural landscape whose cultivation he has long been dedicated to.

The Order of Merit of the State of Brandenburg is generally awarded once a year to individuals who have rendered outstanding services to the state. With this year's award to 13 men and women, the state government underscored the broad social aspiration of the distinction, which is meant to highlight not only prominence but above all civic engagement.

Overall, the award ceremony in Potsdam shows how highly economic and cultural willingness to donate is valued in Brandenburg. Woidke summed up the significance of civic engagement with the formula of a "raren Ressource" – a formulation that deliberately echoes the notion of wealth that has always been associated in Potsdam with palaces, parks, and historic building fabric.