Sitzt du vor der Glotze? If the answer is yes, you are in good company. Though the verdict isn’t out yet on the consequences of long-term exposure to screens, we in the meantime still have fond memories of watching our favorite shows as kids. Though more recently some of our shows have been imported from the United States, such as Spongebob or The Simpsons, many were German products or co-productions and somewhat telling of the time period they were created in.
Pro tip: Though it can be embarrassing to be caught watching these, it is GREAT practice for German learners. The vocab tends to be simple and repetitive and the situations applicable to everyday life. This is not to mention that the songs, whether you want them to or not, will be burned in your memory for-ev-er.
Here is our shortlist of our favorite German children’s shows:
Sandmännchen (Little Sandman)
A kids show with both a GDR and an FRG version is a good example of how even children’s television can reflect politics. Sandmaennchen was a parents best friend in that it was a “bedtime” show designed to get kids ready for bed. The pace of this show and the use of puppets may remind American viewers of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. The difference between the two versions is subtle–with the FRG version being slightly more “modern” looking.
Die Sendung mit der Maus (The Program with the Mouse)
Called the “School of the Nation”, this weekly children’s series entered the scene in the 1970s. Short animated clips explained different things from everyday life from how cars work to how movies are made.
Löwenzahn (Dandelion)
These magical 30 minute episodes centered on host Peter Lustig, who lives in a imaginative converted caravan. From there he goes on a journey of discovery, explaining to a new concept about the connections between nature, environment and technology.
Siebenstein
In Siebenstein, Frau Siebenstein owns a shop which buys and sells second-hand goods. The shop is also home to a raven called Rudi and a suitcase called “Suitcase”. To say that they can both talk would be an understatement. They spend most of their time bickering like children but are the best of friends at heart. Frau Siebenstein uses something a customer has brought in or bought that day as inspiration for a story.
Die Biene Maja (Maya the Bee)
Based off a book by Waldemar Bonsels, Maya the Bee leaves her home in search of adventure outside the hive. Along with her friends Willi the bee, Philip the grasshopper, Maya’s teacher Mrs. Cassandra, and other insects and creatures go on adventures together.
Meister Eder und sein Pumuckl (Master Carpenter Eder and his Pumuckl)
The master carpenter Eder meets the one and only Kobold Pumuckl, whom we find out–only Eder can see, because Pumuckl becomes invisible when other people approach! Pumuckl finally stays with Eder in his carpentry. Pumuckl can best be described as “cheeky” and is one of the most popular characters in children’s entertainment in Germany.
Wickie und die starken Männer (Wickie and the Strong Men)
Who doesn’t like vikings? Come on. This German-Austrian-Japanese animated co-production tells the adventures of the young and imaginative Vicky, a young viking boy who uses his wits to help his Viking fellows.
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