Nazan Eckes: A Trusted Voice in German Television

Nazan Eckes is a respected face in German broadcasting. For over 25 years, she has moved easily between entertainment, news, and culture. Her calm presence and cultural understanding connect her Turkish roots with German public life, making her a trusted figure across generations.

Early Life and Cultural Roots

Nazan Üngör was born on May 9, 1976, in Cologne, Germany. Her parents migrated from Eskişehir, Turkey, during the late 1960s, bringing with them strong traditions and family values. Growing up in a Turkish household in Germany shaped Nazan’s deep understanding of both cultures, a foundation that later defined her public identity.

She completed her Abitur in Leverkusen in 1995. From an early age, she showed curiosity about media, language, and storytelling. Journalism felt like a natural path, allowing her to observe society while giving people a voice. This balance between heritage and modern life became her lifelong strength.

Category	Details
Full Name	Nazan Üngör
Professional Name	Nazan Eckes
Date of Birth	May 9, 1976
Age	49 years (as of 2025)
Place of Birth	Cologne, Germany
Nationality	German
Ethnic Background	Turkish-German
Parents	Gülser and Necmettin Üngör
Education	Abitur (High School Diploma), Leverkusen
Career Start	1998
First TV Role	Trainee at VIVA Music Channel
Breakthrough Role	RTL II News Presenter (2001)
Major Network	RTL Germany
Famous Shows	Let’s Dance, Explosiv, Extra, DSDS
Recent TV Appearance	The Masked Singer (2024)
Profession	Television Presenter, Journalist, Author
Books Published	Guten Morgen, Abendland; Happy. Healthy. Nazan!
Marital Status	Separated
Former Spouses	Claus Eckes, Julian Khol
Children	Two sons (Lounis, Ilyas)
Current Residence	Mallorca, Spain
Parenting Approach	Nesting Model Co-Parenting
Languages	German, Turkish
Advocacy Work	Integration and Education
Awards	Federal Order of Merit, NRW Order of Merit
Career Length	Over 25 years

First Steps into Television

Nazan’s professional journey began in 1998 at the music television channel VIVA. She joined as a trainee and spent eighteen months learning the craft from the ground up. This period taught her discipline, confidence, and adaptability, values that shaped her long career.

In 2001, she became the main presenter of RTL II News. For four years, she delivered news with clarity, proving she could handle serious topics while remaining approachable. This role helped her transition from music television to mainstream broadcasting.

Becoming the Face of RTL

In 2005, Nazan joined RTL, one of Germany’s largest television networks. This move turned her into a national household name. She became known not just as a presenter but as a reliable public figure whom audiences felt comfortable welcoming into their homes.

She co-hosted the early seasons of Let’s Dance, bringing elegance and warmth to live television. At the same time, she anchored popular magazine shows such as Explosiv and Extra, covering celebrity news, social issues, and human-interest stories. Later, she also hosted Deutschland sucht den Superstar, guiding contestants and viewers through emotional and exciting moments.

Key Career Highlights at a Glance

Television Start	VIVA music channel trainee (1998)
News Breakthrough	RTL II News presenter (2001–2005)
Major Network	RTL main channel (from 2005)
Entertainment Shows	Let’s Dance, DSDS
Journalism	Explosiv, Extra
Career Span	Over 25 years

New Directions and Creative Freedom

In 2022, Nazan made a bold decision to end her long-term exclusive contract with RTL. After many successful years, she wanted more creative freedom and time for personal projects. This move showed her confidence and desire to grow beyond traditional television roles.

In 2024, she surprised audiences on The Masked Singer as “Robodog,” revealing a playful side. She also published a cookbook inspired by her mother’s Turkish recipes, blending health, tradition, and modern living.

Personal Life and Family Values

Nazan’s personal life values balance and care. She first married advertising entrepreneur Claus Ecke. In 2012, she married Austrian painter Julian Khol, with whom she has two sons.

After their separation in 2022, Nazan and Julian chose a thoughtful approach to parenting. Living mainly in Mallorca, they follow the nesting model, in which the children stay in one home while the parents take turns. This arrangement puts emotional stability first and shows Nazan’s deep commitment to family.

Advocacy, Integration, and Public Service

Beyond television, Nazan Eckes is known for her strong social voice. She speaks openly about integration, education, and equal opportunity. Her own life experience allows her to talk honestly about identity without division.

She serves as an ambassador for integration initiatives in Germany and has received honors for her positive influence on society and cultural understanding.

Honors and Recognition

2012	Plattino Award	German-Turkish relations
2017	Federal Order of Merit	National contribution
2021	NRW Order of Merit	Highest state honor

A Lasting Influence

Nazan Eckes embodies the enduring power of connection and authenticity. Her story continues to inspire, reminding viewers that bridging cultures enriches society. As the media landscape evolves, her unwavering presence leaves a legacy of trust, empathy, and progress that will shape German broadcasting for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)