While it is often said that “more is more,” in many cases, less is actually more. Such is the case of actress Maren Eggert. Whether it be on stage or on the screen, the actress often portrays intelligent, relatable women set in modern Germany.
This month, let’s get to know Maren Eggert and learn German with film and television!
Get to Know Maren Eggert
Maren Eggert was born on January 30, 1974, in Hamburg, Germany.
She studied acting at Munich‘s Otto-Falckenberg-Schule from 1994 to 1998. For roughly the next decade, Eggert spent much of her time on stage. She performed in Zurich, Switzerland, and Bochum, and was a member of the ensemble at Hamburg‘s Thalia-Theater and Berlin‘s Deutsches Theater.
The Crime Series Icon: Tatort
The German television series Tatort needs no introduction to loyal German cinephiles. The weekly crime series has franchises set in cities across the country.
Eggert is well known for her longstanding role as police psychologist Frieda Jung in the Kiel series. From 2003 through 2010, then again in 2015 and 2025, she has reprised her role more than a dozen times opposite Detective Chief Superintendent Klaus Borowski (portrayed by Axel Milberg).
Where to Watch
Stream with Amazon Prime Video
Language Learning Focus
Since Eggert plays a Polizeipsychologin (police psychologist), the vocabulary shifts from standard crime procedural terms to mental health. Listen for how she describes the Zeugen (witnesses) and analyzes suspects, using language that is more clinical than the typical Kommissar (detective).
Sci-Fi Romance: Ich bin dein Mensch (I’m Your Man)
In the 2021 science fiction film Ich bin dein Mensch (I’m Your Man), Eggert stars as Alma, a scientist working at Berlin’s Pergamon Museum.
Alma is offered financing for her research, but in exchange, she has to participate in an unusual study. For three weeks, she is required to live with Tom (portrayed by Dan Stevens), a robot designed to be her perfect partner.
What seems like a straightforward experiment quickly becomes entangled in the realities of being a human.
The film received much critical acclaim, including a number of wins for best actress for Eggert’s performance.
Where to Watch
Stream with Amazon Prime Video
Language Learning Focus
The dialogue mixes scientific objectivity with romance. Key terms include die Forschung (research) and der Roboter (robot). As the title suggests, the film explores what it means to be a Mensch (human) within a romantic Beziehung (relationship).
The Family Drama: Der Spatz im Kamin (The Sparrow in the Chimney)
Written and directed by Ramon Zürcher, 2024’s Der Spatz im Kamin (The Sparrow in the Chimney) is a family drama.
The story follows two adult siblings, Karen (portrayed by Eggert) and Jule (Britta Hammelstein). To celebrate the birthday of Markus, Karen’s husband, Jule and her family return to her childhood home.
Being back home evokes strong emotions and memories for Jule. In particular, Jule can’t help thinking of their late mother. It also brings the stark differences between the sisters to the surface.
Where to Watch
Stream with Amazon Prime Video
Language Learning Focus
Family dramas are great for domestic vocabulary. Words like die Geschwister (siblings) and die Erinnerung (memory) drive the plot. Pay attention to the terms describing the Elternhaus (parental home) and the adjectives used to describe the tension between the sisters.
Which Maren Eggert Role is Your Favorite?
From long-running crime dramas to futuristic romances, Maren Eggert’s filmography offers something for everyone. Have you seen her in Tatort or I’m Your Man? Let me know which performance is your favorite in the comments below!
Practice, practice, practice! Discover more German actors and actresses previously featured.
Top photo by Agentur Britta Imdahl. This post contains affiliate links.
