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Konrad Zuse
1910–1995 · Civil engineering, computer engineering and invention
Konrad Zuse built the Z3, the first program-controlled electromechanical digital computer, and created Plankalkül, one of the earliest high-level programming languages.
“The danger of computers becoming like humans is not as great as the danger of humans becoming like computers.”
Why is this scientist famous?
Building the Z3, widely recognised as the first program-controlled electromechanical digital computer, and creating Plankalkül, an early high-level programming language.
Konrad Zuse is a central figure in the early history of programmable computers. He built one of the key bridges between engineering and general-purpose programmable computing, and his work shows that the computing revolution emerged through several pioneers in different countries.
Konrad's story
From Civil Engineering to Computing
Konrad Zuse was born in Berlin on 22 June 1910. He studied civil engineering at the Technische Hochschule Berlin-Charlottenburg and graduated in 1935. After graduating, he worked for the Henschel aircraft company. At the same time, he began building calculating machines independently, doing some of his early work in his parents' apartment.
The Z Series
Zuse built a series of increasingly advanced machines. The Z1, completed in 1938, was an early mechanical machine. The Z2 was completed in 1939 and demonstrated to the German Laboratory for Aviation in 1940. His most important machine was the Z3, demonstrated in 1941. The Z3 is widely recognised as the first program-controlled electromechanical digital computer. It was electromechanical, not electronic, using relays rather than vacuum tubes. Zuse used punched film as a program medium in some of his designs.
Plankalkül
Zuse also developed Plankalkül, one of the earliest high-level programming languages. Plankalkül was historically important as one of the first languages to describe programs in a structured, abstract way, though its influence was recognised more fully later. It showed that programming could be more than wiring or switches — it could be a language of its own.
After the War and Legacy
In 1945, Zuse moved to Bavaria after the war. In 1949 he founded Zuse KG, a computer company. The Z4, an important postwar machine, was installed at ETH Zurich in 1950. Zuse's work adds an important German and European strand to computing history, showing that the computing revolution emerged through several pioneers in different countries. He died in Hünfeld on 18 December 1995.
What did they discover?
The Z3
The Z3, demonstrated in 1941, is widely recognised as the first program-controlled electromechanical digital computer.
Plankalkül
Zuse developed Plankalkül, one of the earliest high-level programming languages, of great historical importance.
The Z Series
He built a series of increasingly advanced machines from the Z1 through the Z4, showing how computing could be automated with a programmable machine.
Zuse KG
After the war he founded Zuse KG, one of the early computer companies, helping bring computing into commercial use in Europe.
Amazing facts
Zuse began building computing machines largely on his own.
Some of his early work was done in his parents' apartment.
The Z1 was an early mechanical machine.
The Z3 was a program-controlled electromechanical digital computer.
Zuse used punched film as a program medium in some of his designs.
Plankalkül is one of the earliest high-level programming languages.
The Z4 became an important postwar machine in Europe.
Zuse's work adds an important German and European strand to computing history.
Timeline
Born in Berlin
Graduated in civil engineering
Completed the Z1
Completed the Z2
Demonstrated the Z3
Moved to Bavaria after the war
Founded Zuse KG
The Z4 was installed at ETH Zurich
Died in Hünfeld
Awards & honours
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