Joachim Ringelnatz

Joachim Ringelnatz (1883–1934), born Hans Bötticher, was a German writer, cabaret performer and painter. After leaving school, he worked as a cabin boy and sailor, completed a commercial apprenticeship and held various other jobs. At the Munich artists’ venue “Simplicissimus,” he began performing his own verses and established himself as a poet. He served in the navy during the First World War. Under the name Joachim Ringelnatz, he published poems, stories and children’s books and performed as a cabaret artist throughout Germany. He became especially known for Kuttel Daddeldu, a sailor who features in many of his humorous poems. He also devoted himself to painting. In 1933, under the Nazi regime, he was banned from performing. Ringelnatz died in Berlin in 1934.