Learn german with The People vs. Fritz Bauer

It is the late 1950s. Flourishing under the economic miracle, Germany grows increasingly apathetic about confronting the horrors of its recent past. Nevertheless, Fritz Bauer doggedly devotes his energies to bringing the Third Reich to justice. One day Bauer receives a letter from Argentina, written by a man who is certain that his daughter is dating the son of Adolph Eichmann. Excited by the promising lead, and mistrustful of a corrupt judiciary system where Nazis still lurk, Bauer journeys to Jerusalem to seek alliance with Mossad, the Israeli secret service. To do so is treason — yet committing treason is the only way Bauer can serve his country.

Why learn german with The People vs. Fritz Bauer?

"The People vs. Fritz Bauer" tells the true story of a German prosecutor, Fritz Bauer, fighting to bring Nazi war criminals to justice in the 1950s. The movie focuses on Bauer's efforts to locate Adolf Eichmann, a key figure in the Holocaust. As a German learner, you'll encounter vocabulary related to law, politics, and history, such as "Gericht" (court), "Verfassung" (constitution), and "Krieg" (war). The dialogue also features everyday conversational German, offering a well-rounded learning experience. The film explores complex themes of justice, guilt, and societal denial after World War II. It portrays a range of emotions, from Bauer's unwavering determination to the fear and indifference of those around him. This emotional depth, combined with the formal language of legal proceedings and the informal language of personal interactions, exposes learners to a variety of German registers and speaking styles. The movie also highlights the challenges of post-war Germany and the struggle to confront the past. This movie is useful for German learners because it offers a glimpse into German history and culture. It provides authentic language learning material, immersing you in realistic conversations and situations. The subtitles make it accessible to learners of different levels, allowing you to follow along and pick up new vocabulary and grammar. By watching this movie, you'll not only improve your German skills but also gain a deeper understanding of Germany's complex past and its ongoing journey towards reconciliation.