In the interview room, detectives go head-to-head with suspects and try to get to the truth—even if it means breaking the rules and risking it all.
"Criminal: Germany" offers a compelling narrative centered around police interrogations. Each episode focuses on a different crime, giving learners exposure to a variety of situations and the corresponding vocabulary. You'll encounter words related to law enforcement ("Kommissar," "Beschuldigter," "Zeugenaussage"), crime ("Mord," "Einbruch," "Erpressung"), and everyday life ("Wohnung," "Auto," "Familie"). The dialogue also incorporates colloquialisms and idiomatic expressions, providing valuable insight into how Germans speak naturally. The series delves into complex themes like guilt, innocence, and the ethical dilemmas faced by both investigators and suspects. The tense atmosphere of the interrogations exposes learners to a range of emotions expressed in German, from fear and anger to desperation and remorse. The language used reflects the power dynamics at play, with formal questioning by the police contrasting with the often-emotional responses of the individuals being interrogated. This contrast provides a rich learning opportunity for understanding different registers of German. This show is a great resource for intermediate and advanced German learners. The subtitles help you follow the complex plot and learn new vocabulary in context. The focus on dialogue improves listening comprehension and exposes you to authentic German speech. Because the series deals with universal themes of crime and justice, it can also spark interesting discussions and help you learn more about German culture and perspectives.
Here are the first 15 of the more difficult words in Criminal: Germany:
