Johannes Karup

Karup is around 66 years old

Johannes Karup (born May 9, 1854 in Copenhagen , † March 17, 1927 in Georgenthal ) was one of the first German actuaries .

Johannes Karup was born as the son of Wilhelm Ignatius ("Ignaz") Karup (1829-1870). This was an official of the French life and insurance bank "Impériale" based in Dresden . In 1862 Johannes Karup came to Dresden, where he attended grammar school up to Obersekunda . Further instruction was given by his father in the subjects of mathematics and natural sciences. In return, Johannes helped his father in his practical and literary work. Johannes' father died early, and Johannes continued to run the journal Allgemeine Deutscher Versicherungskorrespondent , which he edited , until he moved back to Copenhagen with his mother. He used the time, also during a stay in London, where he tried unsuccessfully for a job, to deepen his actuarial knowledge. He was able to utilize his findings in some articles in specialist journals and also in the 1885 revised edition of the life insurance handbook published by his father in 1868 .

His life took a turn, both professionally and privately, when he was hired at Gothaer Lebensversicherungsbank by Gustav Hopf , then director of the company. Until his retirement in 1915, he headed the company's math department.

Karup's merits lay in actuarial science, the results of which were also valuable beyond the realm of his society. I.a. he compiled statistics on the mortality of doctors, clergy and teachers and the causes of death of those insured by his employer. In addition, he created mortality tables and put the premium and reserve capital calculation on the basis of his statistical surveys on a new basis.

Karup was a member of the first actuarial standards committee, the first International in Brussels in September 1895 Actuary held -Congress (International Congress of Actuaries, ICA).

Web links

• Johannes Karup on the website of the German Insurance Museum Ernst Wilhelm Arnoldi