A note on generators of number fields

We establish upper bounds for the smallest height of a generator of a number field $k$ over the rational field $\Q$. Our first bound applies to all number fields $k$ having at least one real embedding. We also give a second conditional result for all number fields $k$ such that the Dedekind zeta-function associated to the Galois closure of $k/\Q$ satisfies GRH. This provides a partial answer to a question of W. Ruppert.