Learn german with Lola

Germany in the autumn of 1957: Lola, a seductive cabaret singer-prostitute exults in her power as a temptress of men, but she wants out—she wants money, property, and love. Pitting a corrupt building contractor against the new straight-arrow building commissioner, Lola launches an outrageous plan to elevate herself in a world where everything, and everyone, is for sale. Shot in childlike candy colors, Fassbinder’s homage to Josef von Sternberg’s classic The Blue Angel stands as a satiric tribute to capitalism.

Why learn german with Lola?

"Lola" tells a story of post-war Germany, focusing on a town rebuilding itself amidst economic growth and moral complexities. The film revolves around Lola, a singer, and Von Bohm, the new building commissioner, and their interactions with the town's elite, including corrupt officials and businessmen like Schuckert. The story explores themes of corruption, morality, and social change, offering a glimpse into German society during this period. Learners can pick up vocabulary related to city planning ("Bebauungsplan," "Grundstück"), government roles ("Bürgermeister," "Baudezernent"), and social commentary ("Machtelite," "korrupt"). The dialogue also features informal language, useful for everyday conversations. The film portrays a range of emotions – from desire and happiness to sadness and anger. This emotional depth provides a valuable opportunity to learn how Germans express feelings in different contexts. The language used varies from formal speeches and official meetings to casual conversations and intimate moments, exposing learners to a broad spectrum of German. "Lola" uses idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms, which are essential for understanding spoken German, and it tackles complex themes like corruption and morality, allowing learners to engage with these important social issues in a German context. This film provides a window into post-war German culture and society. It offers insights into the country's economic and political landscape during a period of rebuilding and change. Watching "Lola" can help learners understand the historical context of modern Germany. It presents complex characters with different moral codes, prompting reflection and discussion. The diverse language used makes it a great resource for expanding vocabulary and improving comprehension. The film's emotional range can also deepen your understanding of how emotions are expressed in German.