Aprender alemán, 28/11/2024
Learning a language goes far beyond the classroom. Immersing yourself in the language and culture through German movies and documentaries is one of the best ways to complement what you learn in class. Watching content in German will help you improve your listening comprehension, expand your vocabulary, and familiarize yourself with the everyday expressions of the language.
Below, we present a selection of recommended movies and documentaries to learn German in a fun and effective way. Each of them has unique features that will help you improve your understanding of the language.
1. Good Bye, Lenin! (2003)
Genre: Dramedy
Recommended level: Intermediate/Advanced
Description:
Set in 1989, during the fall of the Berlin Wall, this film tells the story of Alex, a young German who hides the reunification of Germany from his mother, a staunch communist, as she fell into a coma just before it happened. The comedy is mixed with a dramatic backdrop and offers a unique perspective on the political changes in Germany.
What you will learn:
- Vocabulary related to the recent history of Germany
- Everyday expressions and common phrases in German
- Berlin accent and standard German
Why watch it:
- Captivating plot that combines humor with the story of German reunification.
- Ideal for learning everyday German and connecting with German culture.
- Perfect for intermediate and advanced students looking to improve their listening comprehension.
2. Deutschland 83 (2015)
Genre: Spy Thriller
Recommended level: Intermediate
Description:
Set during the Cold War, the series follows Martin Rauch, a young man from East Germany who infiltrates the West German army as a spy. The story is filled with suspense and action, with a historical backdrop that transports you to the divided Germany of the 1980s.
What you will learn:
- Military and political vocabulary
- Colloquial expressions and accents from East and West German
- Historical terms from the Cold War
Why watch it:
- Clear dialogues that are easy to follow, ideal for intermediate-level students.
- Great for learning technical vocabulary and expanding your understanding of the history of divided Germany.
- The exciting plot will keep you engaged while learning in a fun and natural way.
3. Die Welle (The Wave 2008)
Genre: Social Drama
Recommended level: Intermediate
Description:
Based on a real experiment, this film tells the story of a high school teacher who creates an autocratic movement in his class to teach about authoritarianism. The experiment quickly spirals out of control, and the students become immersed in radical behavior that questions power dynamics and the masses.
What you will learn:
- Vocabulary related to education and social behavior
- Everyday expressions among young people and in the classroom
- Clear and accessible language
Why watch it:
- A deep film about the rise of authoritarian regimes, ideal for reflecting on history and social psychology.
- Modern German that is easy to follow, perfect for students looking to practice their listening comprehension.
- Provides an interesting approach to educational and youth topics, with language that is very close to what you would use in a classroom.
4. Das Wunder von Bern (The Miracle of Bern, 2003)
Genre: Historical Drama
Recommended level: Intermediate
Description:
This film tells the story of the historic victory of West Germany’s national football team in the 1954 World Cup, a symbolic event for the country’s recovery after World War II. The plot follows Matthias, a young man whose father returns from the war, as they both try to rebuild their relationship.
What you will learn:
- Vocabulary related to sports, family, and recent history
- Regional German (especially from northern Germany)
- Football-related terms
Why watch it:
- Inspirational story about Germany’s football victory in the 1954 World Cup, with an emotional touch.
- Accessible German with an emphasis on everyday situations and sports vocabulary.
- Allows you to learn more about German culture, especially the passion for football and the historical impact of the postwar era.
5. Weit. Die Geschichte von einem Weg um die Welt (Away, 2017)
Genre: Travel Documentary
Recommended level: Beginner/Intermediate
Description:
In this documentary, Gwen and Patrick, a German couple, travel around the world without taking airplanes. Their journey takes them to explore remote places in Asia, Africa, and America, while reflecting on travel, adventure, and the cultures they encounter.
What you will learn:
- Vocabulary related to travel and intercultural experiences
- Everyday expressions in German
- Geographical and cultural vocabulary
Why watch it:
- Clear and slow German, ideal for students of all levels.
- Visually stunning documentary that takes you to explore the world from a German perspective.
- Learn about different cultures while improving your vocabulary related to travel and adventure.
These movies and documentaries offer an excellent opportunity to improve your German while exploring German culture, history, and society. Complementing your German studies with audiovisual content will not only help you strengthen your listening comprehension, but also enrich your vocabulary and understanding of the language in real-life situations.
If you are enrolled in one of our German courses in Barcelona, whether it’s an intensive course or private lessons, watching movies and documentaries in German is a fun and effective way to continue learning outside the classroom. Adjust the subtitles according to your level and enjoy the learning process while immersing yourself in German culture. German can come to life outside the classroom!
