Politics & Diplomacy:
* Ludwig van Beethoven: While not born in Bonn, he spent most of his childhood and youth there, and is considered a symbol of the city.
* Konrad Adenauer: First Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.
* Joseph Beuys: Renowned German artist and influential figure in contemporary art.
* Johannes Rau: Former President of Germany.
* Wolfgang Schäuble: Former Minister of Finance and long-time politician.
* Angela Merkel: Former Chancellor of Germany, although born in Hamburg, she studied in Bonn and spent much of her career there.
Science & Academia:
* Max Born: Nobel laureate in physics for his work on quantum mechanics.
* Julius Robert Mayer: Physicist who established the principle of the conservation of energy.
* Wilhelm Konrad Röntgen: Nobel laureate in physics for discovering X-rays.
* Robert Koch: Nobel laureate in medicine for his research on tuberculosis.
* Gerhard Schröder: Former Chancellor of Germany, studied law in Bonn.
Music:
* Ferdinand Ries: Composer and pianist, student of Beethoven.
* August Wilhelm Ambros: Music historian and writer.
* Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy: Composer, although born in Hamburg, he studied in Bonn and performed there.
Other Notable Figures:
* Josephine Baker: American singer, dancer, and actress, spent part of her childhood in Bonn.
* Johannes Brahms: Composer, studied in Bonn for a short time.
* Wilhelm Busch: German poet, painter, and humorist.
* Friedrich Nietzsche: Philosopher, studied in Bonn for a brief period.
It's worth noting that many famous figures were associated with Bonn, even if they weren't born there, due to its historical significance as the former capital of West Germany and a center of learning.