Friedrich Dickel (9 December 1913 – 23 October 1993) was a German politician, veteran of the International Brigades in the Spanish Civil War and law enforcement administrator who served as the interior minister for nearly twenty-six years, the longest-serving individual to hold that post in East Germany.

[2] He fought in the international brigades in the civil war of Spain together with others, including future Stasi chief Erich Mielke.

[5][8] During Dickel's time, majority of the East German paramilitary troops organized for territorial defense were also under the interior ministry's control.

[10] Dickel's term ended on 18 November 1989 when he was dismissed as a result of the atmosphere of change and reform in the country which began leading up to German reunification.

[13] Dickel was the recipient of the Order of Karl Marx which was awarded to him in June 1985 on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the German People's Police.