For those of you keen to develop your German language skills, watching German films and TV series, even with subtitles, can be an effective and entertaining way of familiarising your ears with spoken German, as well as providing insights into German culture.
Below you can see a list of popular German films and series that you can use for inspiration. We encourage all of you to consider your own preferences in the hope of finding viewing options that best suit your own personal tastes, but this list should help you to get started.
Please note that some of these films and series may not be suitable for family viewing.
German TV Series
Dark – The disappearance of two children from the small, fictional town of Winden leads four families down a dark path of discovery. The sinful past of the town is exposed, as well as the secrets and fractured relationships that exist within these families. As the series unfolds, it becomes apparent that the central characters all have a connection to the town’s dark history. Full of twists and turns, this hugely successful science-fiction mystery series, which has supernatural elements, is the first German original series to be produced for Netflix.
How to Sell Drugs Online Fast – This coming-of-age comedy drama centres on a nerdy teen, who decides to start selling ecstasy online in an attempt to win back his ex-girlfriend, ends up becoming one of Europe’s most successful dealers. Available to watch on Netflix.
Das Letzte Wort – A comedy drama about a recently widowed woman who unexpectedly and suddenly finds her calling in professional eulogizing. This touching series is an exploration not only of grief and of death, but of living and of love. Also available to watch on Netflix.
Charité – This six-part drama series, which has since had a sequel, is set in Berlin at the end of the 19th century. Ida works as an assistant nurse at the Charite hospital and, during her time there, is witness to brilliant medical discoveries and innovation. The series, which has won several awards, including Best Drama Series and Best Production Design, is a mixture of fact and fiction, featuring characters who are based on the real-life doctors and nurses who worked there during the era.
Deutschland 83 – A 24-year-old East German native is sent to work as an undercover spy in West Germany, where he enlists in their army, in order to gather NATO military secrets. A fast-paced and exhilarating Cold War spy drama, which doubles as a coming-of-age story, with a fantastic 80s soundtrack.
German Films
Die Welle – A chilling socio-political thriller in which a high-school teacher attempts to demonstrate to his students how fascism can arise, by inciting the class to create an autocracy of their own. However, the bold experiment spins alarmingly out of control, leading to horrifying consequences. This film, which won the Bronze Lola award in the category Best Feature Film at the German Film Awards (Deutscher Filmpreis) in 2008, is a brilliant lesson in how people can be manipulated and how dictatorships are allowed to
Vincent Will Meer – A young man, who has Tourette’s syndrome, escapes from the institution in which he is being held, along with two other patients, and goes on a trip to Italy, to honour his recently deceased mother’s dying wish. This touching drama is daring in its exploration of difficult themes and, nonetheless, has surprisingly hilarious and tender moments. Well worth a watch.
Das Leben der Anderen – Set in 1984 East Berlin, this multi-award winning drama thriller centres on dedicated Stasi officer Gerd Wiesler, who is ordered to spy on a famous playwright and his actress lover, Christa-Maria. Finding himself increasingly sympathetic to the couple, Wiesler becomes conflicted when he receives orders from his superior to get rid of the playwright, so that he can act on his attraction to Christa-Maria. Wiesler’s focus thus changes from trying to find the couple out, to trying to protect them, but this unexpected mission is rife with danger…
Goodbye, Lenin! – When Alex Kerner’s mother awakes from a long coma, a lot has changed. Germany has been reunified for a year and the East Germany that Christiane Kerner knew and loved is no more. Determined to protect her at all costs, Alex goes to elaborate and hilarious lengths to conceal this truth from his mother. This film was a winner of multiple awards at the German Lolas (also known as Deutscher Filmpreis) and took six top prizes at the European Film Awards. It was also nominated for a Golden Globe.
In the Fade – This truly gripping contemporary thriller, which is inspired by real-life events, tells the story of Katja, brilliantly played by Diane Kruger, who finds her life changed forever when her young son and husband are killed in a bomb attack. A police investigation seems to incriminate a pair of young Neo-Nazis, but there is not enough evidence to convict them and so Katja is driven to seek retribution herself. The increasingly dangerous journey which ensues is full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Found a German film or series that you think others will enjoy? Feel free to share your suggestions below in the comments section: