In 1990s Berlin, an artist and a hacker invented a new way to see the world. Years later, they reunite to sue Google for patent infringement on it.
"The Billion Dollar Code" tells the fictionalized story of two young German artists and hackers, Carsten and Juri, who invent TerraVision, a groundbreaking program that allows users to fly anywhere on Earth in real-time. Their innovation predates Google Earth by over a decade, and the show follows their journey from the exciting early days of the internet in Berlin, through their struggles to get funding and recognition, culminating in a David-vs-Goliath legal battle against Google in America. Watching this show will expose you to a variety of German vocabulary related to technology (e.g., "Computer," "Datenbank," "Algorithmus"), art ("Kunst," "Ausstellung," "Galerie"), and business ("Firma," "Investieren," "Gewinn"). You'll also pick up colloquialisms and everyday language used in Berlin in the 1990s. The show explores themes of friendship, betrayal, innovation, and the impact of technology on society. The emotional rollercoaster of the characters' experiences provides a context that helps language learners connect with the German dialogue on a deeper level. You'll encounter a range of language registers, from informal conversations between friends to more formal business negotiations and legal discussions. The intensity of the courtroom scenes, the excitement of their early success, and the frustration of their setbacks are all conveyed through natural-sounding German, which will give you a great sense of how to express a wide spectrum of feelings in the language. This show is a particularly good choice for learning German because it's engaging and relevant. The story is gripping, keeping you invested in the characters and their fate. The fast-paced dialogue and dynamic visuals hold your attention, making the learning process more enjoyable. Because the show deals with the early days of the internet, a topic that continues to shape our world today, it provides valuable insights into the digital landscape and how it evolved. You'll also learn about German culture and history, especially the atmosphere in Berlin after the fall of the Wall.
Here are the first 15 of the more difficult words in The Billion Dollar Code:
