Learn german with Great Freedom

In post-war Germany, liberation by the Allies does not mean freedom for everyone. Hans Hoffmann is repeatedly imprisoned under Paragraph 175, which criminalizes homosexuality. Nevertheless, over the decades, he continues his quest for freedom and love, even if he finds it in the most unusual places.

Why learn german with Great Freedom?

"Great Freedom" tells the story of Hans, a man imprisoned multiple times in post-war Germany for being homosexual. The film follows his relationships with his cellmates, particularly Viktor, and shows the harsh realities of life inside prison. From this film, you can learn vocabulary related to prison life (like "Zelle" - cell, "Wärter" - guard), legal proceedings ("Richter" - judge, "Anhörung" – hearing), and everyday conversations. The dialogue includes both formal and informal German, exposing you to a range of expressions. The film also uses some Austrian dialect which is interesting for learners to hear. The movie explores themes of love, loss, and resilience in the face of discrimination. It depicts a range of emotions, from despair and anger to tenderness and hope. The language used reflects these intense feelings, using both harsh and poetic language. By watching "Great Freedom," you can gain insight into how Germans express complex emotions. The movie presents conversations between inmates, with guards, and in court, offering diverse language learning opportunities. Pay attention to how the tone shifts in different situations. This film is valuable for German learners because it provides exposure to authentic German conversations in a specific historical and social context. The subtitles can help you follow along and learn new vocabulary. The emotional depth of the story can make the learning experience more engaging and memorable. "Great Freedom" can enhance your understanding of not just the German language, but also German culture and history during a difficult period.