Do you want to switch up your German language lessons? Below, German teacher Kimberly F. shares five popular movies that will help students learn to speak German…
Are you looking for some exercises to supplement your current German lessons? When learning to speak German, one of the best exercises you can do is watch German films.
In doing so, not only will you be able to hear correct pronunciation, but you’ll also pick up on the proper use of German vocabulary words.
Below are five German films that will help you speak German whether you’re a new or advanced German language enthusiast.
1. Nosferatu: Phantom der Nacht (1979)
Rated PG, this classic German Art House film follows the well-known story of the vampire better known to Americans as Dracula. The film not only showcases German language in an easy-to-follow story-line, but it also displays the generic features of a West German Art House film.
It’s written and directed by the famous Werner Herzog and stars Klaus Kinski in the title role. There is a second version of the film in which the actors speak English (Nosferatu the Vampyre), but that would be cheating!
2. In weiter Ferne, so nah! (1993)
This fantasy romance film, which is rated PG-13, explores the lives of angels who watch over newly reunited Berlin and hear the thoughts of its inhabitants.
Directed by Wim Wenders, this particular film is a sequel to his Der Himmel über Berlin (1987) and stars the well-known American actor Willem Dafoe as well as Nastassja Kinski. This film is both touching and entertaining, exploring both ethereal and colloquial German vocabulary.
3. Vaya Con Dios (2002)
While the title might not sound German, this film is most definitely a German film. The comedy, Vaya Con Dios follows the story of three German monks who are forced out into the modern world.
Since the plot centers around a road trip, the film explores many different parts of Germany and comments on modern German culture. It’s poignant and a little strange, bringing a new sort of “melancholic” comedy to German cinema.
4. Ein Freund von mir (2006)
Two men become the most unlikely of friends in this drama-comedy. A quiet car insurance executive must learn to deal with his loud, nosy coworker. Together, they discover things about themselves and about life.
This film serves its purpose well, exhibiting contemporary German phrases and vocabulary for students. It also shows off one important aspect of the German culture–automobiles.
5. Woman in Gold (2015)
This film is not completely in German, but just enough to make it a great transition movie for those just beginning to learn German.
Starring Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds, the film follows the true story of Maria Altmann, a Jewish refugee living in America, who is trying to reclaim the Gustav Klimt painting that was stolen from her family during WWII. The film delves into German history, Austrian culture, and the Germanic art scene.
These five films span a wide variety of German-language cinema, sure to please almost any German language student. Watching German films is just another step in your German language journey, which can be complemented by private lessons.
Post Author: Kimberly F.Kimberly F. teaches German, Italian and singing lessons in Hicksville, NY. She received her Bachelor of Science in Music Performance from Hofstra University, and her Master of Music from Bard College. Kimberly has been teaching students since 2007. Learn more about Kimberly here!
Brooke Neuman