Do you find it challenging to understand German speech and know the German prepositions? The widespread use of idiomatic expressions and slang complicates this already difficult task. Perhaps this is because almost every federal state has its dialect in Germany, which most often differs radically from Hochdeutsch. What to do? Watch German films! It is a great way to learn to understand live German speech.
Lola rennt (Run Lola Run)
If you plan a trip to Berlin and want to tune into the Berlin dialect first, then this film is just what you need. It tells the story of Lola, who must, by all means, get 100 thousand German marks in 20 minutes. Otherwise, her boyfriend will be killed. So get ready for a breathtaking run!
Das Leben der Anderen (The Lives of Others)
The film took place in 1986. A member of the Stasi secret police is tasked with following a famous writer who is having an affair with a well-known stage actress. Are you curious about how life was in the GDR? In this thriller, you will find the answer to this question and hear several German dialects at once. And given that this film is viral in Germany, you can quickly strike up a conversation with a native speaker just by mentioning it.
Das weiße Band (White Ribbon)
This film by acclaimed Austrian director Michael Haneke tells of sinister, mysterious events in a remote village in northern Germany on the eve of the First World War.
Online films leave a mark on the soul and cut into memory. This picture is of particular interest for German learners, as the actors in it speak slowly and clearly. After watching this movie, you will undoubtedly enrich your vocabulary with a couple of German words and expressions.
Good-Bye, Lenin! (Goodbye, Lenin!)
Are you more into comedy? Then this movie is for you! Alex’s mother, who firmly believes in the “ideals of socialism,” fell into a coma in October 1989. While she is unconscious, many important events take place in the country:
- The unification of Germany
- The influx of Western brands
In fear for his mother’s life, Alex decides not to tell her that the country she lived in no longer exists.
Revanche (Revenge)
“Revenge” is an Austrian-made film that you have to watch to get an idea of the Austrian version of the German language!
This thriller tells us the story of a couple in love – Alex and Tamara, who are trying to escape from the suffocating embrace of Vienna. To carry out an escape plan, they rob a bank, but as a result of a shootout, Tamara dies, and Alex becomes obsessed with the thought of retribution.
Die bitteren Tränen der Petra von Kant (Bitter tears of Petra von Kant)
German director Rainer Werner Fassbinder creates a tense atmosphere of envy, madness, and domination within the walls of the home of Petra von Kant, a successful fashion designer who falls in love with a young girl, Karin. She dreams of a high fashion world.
Nirgendwo in Afrika (Nowhere in Africa)
This beautiful movie tells the story of a Jewish family that barely makes it to Africa to escape Nazi persecution. After “civilized” Europe, it is not easy for spouses to get used to the harsh conditions of existence in Kenya, but their daughter quickly gets used to a new way of life, learns the language, and gets to know the local people. The beauty of Kenya arouses in her a storm of delight, and gradually it is transferred to her parents. The characters in this film speak simple, understandable German, which makes this film an excellent educational material.
Paradies: Liebe (Paradise: Love)
50-year-old Austrian Teresa goes on vacation to Kenya, where sex tourism is booming. During her “active” break, she meets local priests of love, who are not disinterested. This film received mixed reviews: deep, intense, moving, shocking, disgusting. In any case, this is one of those films that burn into the memory and evoke the opposite emotions. Take a look and see for yourself!
Summary
Are you planning to improve your German level? Check out the movies from the list above to boost your foreign language skills.
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