It is difficult to think of a more respected veteran of the German stage and screen than Burghart Klaußner. For well over half a century, he has brought his experience and gravitas to a variety of roles. You may even have seen him on The Crown, Bridge of Spies, or as the judge in The Reader.
Klaußner’s impressive resume also includes quite a few audiobooks, meaning his diction is perfect for German language learners looking for immersion.
So this month, let’s get to better know Burghart Klaußner and learn German with films!
Get to Know Burghart Klaußner
Burghart Klaußner was born in West Berlin on September 13, 1949. His father ran Zum Klaußner, a traditional German restaurant in Berlin that was a hotspot for celebrities. But after the Berlin Wall went up, the family moved to Gräfelfing on the western edge of Munich.
Klaußner returned to Berlin for his studies. He briefly attended the Freie Universität Berlin, where he studied German and drama, before switching to the Max-Reinhardt-Schule für Schauspiel to fully devote himself to acting.
Early in his career, during the 1970s, he appeared on numerous stages in Germany. But his breakthrough came in 1985 with a starring role in the 10-episode television series Das Rätsel der Sandbank.
Psychological Mystery: Das weiße Band (The White Ribbon)
In the critically acclaimed 2009 film Das weiße Band, written and directed by Michael Haneke, a series of strange and disturbing events is taking place in a small village in northern Germany.
Klaußner stars as the pastor, a strict man who keeps a close eye – and a short leash – on his children and the community. The village’s new school teacher, portrayed by Christian Friedel, tries to uncover who or what is committing these acts. But in the search, he uncovers more than he expects.
Where to Watch
Stream with Amazon Prime Video
Language Learning Focus
Set just before World War I, the language in this film is precise, formal, and steeped in religious authority. Listen for terms like der Pfarrer (pastor) and die Sünde (sin). Because the plot revolves around the strict upbringing of the village youth, the dialogue frequently uses words related to die Erziehung (upbringing) and die Strafe (punishment).
A Fight for Truth: Der Staat gegen Fritz Bauer (The People vs. Fritz Bauer)
Lars Kraume’s 2015 film Der Staat gegen Fritz Bauer tells the real-life story of Fritz Bauer, a German Jewish Attorney General, and his effort to bring the architect of the Holocaust, Adolf Eichmann, to justice following the end of World War II.
Burghart Klaußner stars as Bauer, while Ronald Zehrfeld portrays the prosecuting attorney Karl Angermann. The pair work together to pursue Eichmann, who is hiding in Argentina.
Klaußner was recognized with a number of awards for his performance in the film.
Where to Watch
Stream with Amazon Prime Video
Language Learning Focus
This legal drama is dense with judicial vocabulary. As Bauer fights the system, you will hear formal titles like der Generalstaatsanwalt (Attorney General) and legal concepts such as der Hochverrat (high treason). The dialogue is a masterclass in the difference between bureaucratic German and the language of moral conviction.
The Resistance Biopic: Elser – Er hätte die Welt verändert (13 Minutes)
The 2015 film Elser – Er hätte die Welt verändert tells the true story of Georg Elser (portrayed by Christian Friedel) and his failed attempt in 1939 to assassinate Adolf Hitler in a Munich beerhall.
Through flashbacks, the film shows what brought Elser to his fate. Klaußner portrays Arthur Nebe, the head of the Kripo, who investigates Elser.
The film’s English title, 13 Minutes, refers to the fact that Hitler left the beerhall a mere 13 minutes before Elser’s bomb detonated. Katharina Schüttler also appears in the film as Elser’s lover.
Where to Watch
Stream with Amazon Prime Video
Language Learning Focus
Since the film frames the narrative through an investigation, much of the dialogue takes place during intense interrogation scenes. Key vocabulary includes das Verhör (interrogation) and das Geständnis (confession). You will also hear specific political terms related to der Widerstand (resistance) and the details of the Attentat (assassination attempt).
Which Film Will You Watch First?
From the quiet intensity of The White Ribbon to the determined pursuit of justice in The People vs. Fritz Bauer, Burghart Klaußner offers a masterclass in acting. Have you seen any of these films? Let me know which one you plan to add to your watchlist in the comments below!
Practice, practice, practice! Discover more German actors and actresses previously featured.
Top photo by Mathias Bothor, from Agentur Schlag. This post contains affiliate links.
