6 binge-worthy TV shows to improve your German
Watching TV shows is definitely one of the best ways to work on your language skills and get to know a country’s culture and people a little bit better at the same time. Of course, we’re always on the hunt for gems on German TV.
Here’s a list of our favourite shows of the last few years – most of them are especially suitable for students of the B2/C1 level.
Four of them can be streamed for free in the media libraries of public TV channels (you paid for those with your GEZ fee), the other two are available on regular streaming platforms.
Check out his latest Top 6 and switch on your subtitles!
ZERV – Zeit der Abrechnung
Berlin 1991: A special police unit is installed to investigate and solve capital crimes from the time of the GDR and the reunification. In order to solve a murder case, ZERV commissioner Peter Simon and Eastern colleague Karo Schubert have to investigate together, despite many differences. The series sheds light on a time of upheaval in Germany and benefits especially from the dynamics between the leading actors Fabian Hinrichs and Nadia Uhl.
ARD Mediathek
6 episodes, German subtitles
Stream here
Der Pass
In this dark, snow-heavy and often creepy German-Austrian thriller series, an investigative duo (Julia Jentsch and Nicholas Ofczarek) pursues a serial killer with a monstrous plan. Another show with a great dynamic of two very different characters, full of references to the current political climate in both countries. Not always subtle, but effective.
Amazon Prime
8 episodes, German subtitles
Stream here
Die Discounter
Die Discounter is the German answer to shows like „Superstore“ or „The Office“. But it’s more than just a rip-off of those formats, instead, it actually manages to portrait the staff of a supermarket in the suburbs of Hamburg with a sharp, often cringeworthy humour and a good sense of timing. Not every joke lands perfectly, but as a sociological study it actually works quite well.
Amazon Prime
10 episodes, German subtitles
Stream here
Dig Deeper: Das Verschwinden von Birgit Meier
This Netflix documentary series is dedicated to a German criminal case that remained unsolved for decades until the brother of the missing woman himself reopens what happened. Classic true crime for everyone who loves dark secrets and the usual twists and turns.
Netflix
4 episodes, English and German subtitles
Stream here
Tatort Dortmund: „Liebe mich“
You’ve probably heard of „Tatort“ – for many Germans, the crime series is an integral part of Sunday evening television and has been running for over 50 years. Every week, a team of detectives from different cities investigates a murder case – unfortunately often with varying entertainment value. However, the current Tatort from Dortmund, which tells of the hunt for a serial killer with mommy issues, is definitely one of the better examples of this show.
ARD Mediathek
1 episode, German subtitles
Stream here
Das Begräbnis
When four siblings lose their beloved father Wolff-Dieter Meurer, they all find themselves at his funeral. There, old stories soon emerge that show the past in a new light and the dispute over the inheritance leads to alliances and discord. The show was shot in two days and is mostly improvised, which works surprisingly well due to a wonderful cast.
ARD Mediathek
6 episodes, German subtitles
Stream here
