Learn german with The Captain from Kopenick

A young shoemaker is arrested for stealing a small amount of money, and is jailed for fifteen years. Upon his release, he wants to get a permit to get a job and start anew, but finds that without a job he can't get a permit, and without a permit he can't get a job. Ensnared in the absurd net of Prussian bureaucracy, he can't see any way out. That is, until he enters a thrift shop and spots a Prussian officer's uniform that fits him like a second skin...

Why learn german with The Captain from Kopenick?

"The Captain from Köpenick" tells the comical yet thought-provoking story of Wilhelm Voigt, a shoemaker with a criminal record who struggles to get a passport in pre-World War I Germany. Frustrated by bureaucratic obstacles, he disguises himself as a military captain, takes command of a group of soldiers, and occupies the town hall of Köpenick. He uses his fake authority to arrest the mayor and confiscate the town's treasury. The film offers a rich tapestry of German vocabulary related to military ranks ("Hauptmann," "Gefreiter"), clothing ("Uniform," "Stiefel"), and bureaucratic procedures ("Pass," "Aufenthaltserlaubnis"). Learners can also pick up everyday expressions and colloquialisms from the various dialogues. The movie explores themes of social injustice, the absurdity of bureaucracy, and the power of uniforms. It portrays a range of emotions, from Voigt's frustration and desperation to the townspeople's fear and confusion, offering learners insight into expressing feelings in German. The language used varies from formal official pronouncements to casual conversations, providing exposure to different registers of German. The film also features scenes with singing and slang, showcasing the diversity of spoken German. This film is an excellent resource for intermediate to advanced German learners. The engaging storyline keeps you motivated, while the clear dialogue makes it easy to follow. The historical context provides a window into German society and culture at the turn of the 20th century. By watching "The Captain from Köpenick," you’ll not only expand your vocabulary and improve your listening comprehension but also gain a deeper understanding of German history and humor. It's a fun and effective way to immerse yourself in the language.