BERLIN, GERMANY - JULY 18: German Chancellor Angela Merkel listens during a news conference with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at the German federal chancellory on July 18, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Yingluck, Thailand's first female prime minister, is on her first state visit outside of Asia since she took office in August of last year. (Photo by Adam Berry/Getty Images)
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BERLIN, GERMANY - JULY 18: German Chancellor Angela Merkel listens during a news conference with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at the German federal chancellory on July 18, 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Yingluck, Thailand's first female prime minister, is on her first state visit outside of Asia since she took office in August of last year. (Photo by Adam Berry/Getty Images)
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CNN  — 

It’s a lesson many politicians – mostly male – have learned the hard way over the past 15 years: never underestimate Angela Merkel.

The German Chancellor is preparing to step down later this year, having long ago cemented her position as one of the world’s most successful political leaders.

In her time in office, she has dealt with five UK prime ministers, four French presidents and seven Italian prime ministers. When President-elect Joe Biden takes office on Wednesday, he’ll be the fourth American commander-in-chief she’s worked with.