Looking for tips for learning German? From recommendations for German language music or films, here are some of my best tips and tricks for learning German. From one German learner to another!
When Vienna, Austria’s Wanda burst onto the music scene in 2014 it was seemingly out of nowhere. But before the end of that year, the band had a huge hit on their hands with the infectious single “Bologna.” Today, the band has four albums under their belt — all of which went to the top of the charts in their home country and most broke into the top five in Germany. So this month, let’s tune up our German skills and learn German with the music of Wanda!
To say that actress Johanna Wokalek is accomplished is an understatement. The award-winning actress has made a name for herself in film but also on the stage in both theater and opera. She’s portrayed everyone from a woman impersonating a man who becomes pope to an international terrorist. With all of that range and variety, Wokalek is the perfect actor to help guide German learners. So this month, let’s learn German with the films of Johanna Wokalek!
While every month I highlight a different musical act that performs in the German language, I can’t say that I’m always a big fan of each month’s artist. This month is a little different. Einstürzende Neubauten is, without a doubt, the first German band that I ever really discovered and have been my favorite band, regardless of language, for many years now. While it’s often easy to label musicians as “rock” or “pop,” it’s a little more difficult for Neubauten. At times their music can be noisy and bordering on performance art while other tracks can be decidedly mainstream. But it’s always on their own terms. That means, among other things, unconventional instruments. This month, let’s learn German with the music of Einstürzende Neubauten!
Einstürzende Neubauten was formed in 1980 in then-West Berlin, Germany. The early years saw a number of changes in members but the standard line-up for those earliest years is Blixa Bargeld, NU Unruh, Alexander Hacke, Mark Chung, and FM Einheit. The group’s name translates in English to “Collapsing New Buildings.” The name is a reference to the “new,” cheaper, weaker post-war buildings that were constructed across the country.
It was under this initial line-up that the group released six albums: Kollaps, Zeichnungen des Patienten O.T., Halber Mensch, Fünf auf der nach oben offenen Richterskala, Haus der Lüge, Tabula Rasa, and Ende Neu. The albums are noisy experiments that can be melodic at the most unexpected of times. The title track from Halber Mensch, for example, features ghostly chanting while “Morning Dew” (from 1987’s Fünf auf der nach oben offenen Richterskala) is delicate but edgy. (“Morning Dew” is actually of cover of folk singer Bonnie Dobson although it was the Grateful Dead who popularized the song.)
Around the mid-1990s, Neubauten’s lineup had a few changes. Chung and Einheit left, making way in 1997 for what would become, seemingly, the permanent lineup which still exists today. Bargeld, Unruh, Hacke, plus guitarist Jochen Arbeit and percussionist Rudolf Moser.
Since then, the group has released four full-length albums: Silence is Sexy, Perpetuum Mobile, Alles wieder offen, as well as the World War I concept album Lament. The “new” Neubauten is perhaps less noisy than the original, but the focus and rejection of rules is still alive and well. They even have a greatest hits album!
While not all of Neubauten’s lyrics are in German, a significant portion of them are. Bargeld’s lyrics are like poetry matched only by his trademark piercing scream that is, in a way, an instrument itself.
While Hacke generally can be found behind a bass guitar and Arbeit with an electric guitar, that’s about all that’s “normal” with Neubauten’s instrumentation. The band frequently utilize instruments of their own making, whether that be using a plastic barrel or plastic gas cans. Moser’s drum kit, in particular, features sheet metal “drums,” pieces of cut aluminum suspended like cymbals on stands, and an electrified spring. On Lament, Hacke transforms crutches into a musical instrument while Moser performs on (empty) ammunition shells.
Another staple of the band’s toolbox is a jet turbine which they play (carefully) as it spins with wooden or metal drumsticks for a unique and special sound. Listening to Neubauten’s music is fascinating but watching them transform these ordinary objects into some musical is captivating.
Long before crowdfunding was a household word, Neubauten were pioneers in the concept. In the early 2000s, eschewing support of a traditional record label, the band turned to their fans. The supporter project allows fans access to the band through their creative process. Supporters had access to benefits like webcasts and a web forum. Just this spring, the band rebooted the supporter project and are currently working on new material. I know I’ve been enjoying and looking forward to each webcast!
Looking for another Ohrwurm to help you learn German? Check out previously featured musicians and bands!
Photo by Mote Sinabel. This post contains affiliate links.
German filmmaker Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck is a unique case. His debut full-length feature film won countless awards internationally, including an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. With the acclaim, came Hollywood and off he went. Where some filmmakers are prolific, Donnersmarck is far more selective. So this month, let’s get to know Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck and practice German with film!
Perhaps there’s no more consistent musician than MC Fitti. With his baseball cap, sunglasses, and a bushy beard, the rapper is instantly recognizable. It’s a hip hop uniform of sorts. Much like his image, Fitti’s music is similarly constant: easy going and laid back party anthems matched with colorful music videos that are graphic and silly. He isn’t pondering any deep or serious philosophical issues with his music. But, as the saying goes, he’s laughing all the way to the bank. This month, let’s learn German with the music of rapper MC Fitti!
Actress Miriam Stein is barely in her 30s but she already has more than two dozen acting credits to her name. Famous for her award-winning performances on both television and film, Stein can move audiences in dramas or comedies. So this month, let’s get to know Miriam Stein and practice German with film!
Ordinarily, you do not associate adjectives such as visual, colorful, and physical with music. Or, at least, not initially. But the women of Berlin pop group Laing are as much a visual performance as they are a musical group for your ears. The group’s videos are humorous, tongue-in-cheek, and carefully crafted. Their music, meanwhile, is just as thoughtfully created with a light and easygoing feel but it is no laughing matter! So this month let’s learning German with the music of pop group Laing!
From writing to directing, Till Franzen does a little bit of it all. The filmmaker has worked in both film and television, bringing to life tales of mystery, intrigue, and family dramas. Franzen’s serial thrillers keep viewers tuning in. Get to know Franzen better and practice the German language with film!
It’s difficult to write about an artist (of any kind: from the performing arts to music and everything in between) without making comparisons. But for Berlin rapper Prinz Pi, it is not so straightforward. Sure, every artist has their own style but it seems a little more difficult to put Prinz Pi in a stylistic box. It is likely better that you listen to his music and make the decision for yourself. So this month I am highlighting Prinz Pi for learning German with music!
Whether it is tackling anti-capitalism, the Nazi Resistance, or crime thrillers, actress Julia Jentsch is seemingly up for it all. The German actress will entertain you, move you, and educate you. This month, let’s learn German with the films of Julia Jentsch!
There is nothing the music industry and its audience love more than a singer who goes by a single name. Cher! Madonna! Prince! German singer Lary fits into that category but she does it on her own terms, just likes those other veritable one name juggernauts. Labeling Lary a “popstar” seems accurate but probably gives the wrong impression. This is not your run of the mill bubblegum pop music. Lary is dark and sultry, strong and gritty. Are you intrigued yet to find out and hear more? This month, let’s practice German with the music of pop R&B singer Lary.
With roles like Ronnie, the gangster who is after Moritz Bleibtreu‘s Manni in 1998’s Run Lola Run, and as a leader in an alt-right political party on the second season of television series Berlin Station, you may already be familiar with Heino Ferch. But there are many major roles in German-speaking films and television productions starring Ferch. This month, let’s learn German with the films of Heino Ferch!