Freiburg, Germany - German-British sociologist and politician Lord Ralf Dahrendorf has died at the age of 80, a German newspaper editor reported Thursday.

Thomas Hauser of German daily Badische Zeitung made the announcement after speaking to the widow of Dahrendorf, who was an advisor to the paper.

Dahrendorf had lived in Britain for many years, where he was a member of the upper house of parliament, the House of Lords.

One of Germany's most significant sociologists, Dahrendorf had celebrated his 80th birthday early May with academic friends in the city of Oxford. (dpa)