Watching series in my target language is one of my favourite kinds of language homework.
If you haven’t downloaded the Language Reactor Netflix extension yet, do it now! Not only does it allow you to read dual subtitles (in the target and your native language), but you can also save unknown vocabulary as you watch to refer back to later.
Bear in mind that Language Reactor only works on a computer, not on a TV; as such, if I watch something on my TV, I choose the language of the subtitles based on my energy levels. If I’m really tired, I resort to English subtitles, but I’d say that subtitles in the target language are always most effective if you’re someone who can only learn new words once you’ve seen them written down (this is me!).
How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)
How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) is really funny despite some seriously dark themes.
It may appear to be strictly for teenagers at first glance, but has plenty of death and dodgy dealings to prove it’s a not for the faint hearted. I love it.
The Empress
The Empress is based on the life of Elisabeth, also known as “Sisi”, the Empress of Austria, who ruled from 1854-1898.
I absolutely love this series, despite not being a diehard period drama fan. It’s visually beautiful, and the acting is brilliant.
The Empress won an Emmy for best drama series; it’s a must-see. Watch the trailer here.
The Last Word
This one is strictly for people with dark humour… The Last Word follows the life of a woman who – to deal with her husband’s sudden death – becomes a eulogist.
It’s a tragi-comedy and it’s pretty dark in places, which is right up my street.
Dark
Dark is menacing and eerie!!
I watched the first season years ago and loved it. Having now finished season 3, I’d say that its unrelenting bleakness can be a bit much sometimes, but the clue is in the name, I suppose!
Alice
Alice portrays the real life of Alice Schwarzer, a German journalist and feminist activist, during the years of her life when she campaigned for the right to abortion in Germany, following her involvement in France’s own movement.
There are only two episodes, each 88 minutes long.
I loved the series as it’s been my first introduction into second wave feminism in France and Germany, and the fact that both languages feature heavily in the series makes it even more enjoyable.
One thing – Netflix doesn’t currently have English subtitles for it, so I watched it with German subtitles and relied heavily on the Language Reactor extension to quickly check the meaning of unknown words. This meant it took a lot long for me to finish the series, but I learnt lots!
Queer Eye Germany
If the fab five of the US Queer Eye stole your heart as it did mine, then Queer Eye Germany is the perfect learning tool for picking up informal phrases and everyday and mainstream vocabulary.
Freud
If you’re looking for a biographical retelling of Freud’s life, skip this one. However, if you’re a Sherlock Holmes fan, then keep reading!
Freud is a murder mystery-cum-psychiatry exploration. It’s pretty trippy and whilst episode one has a lot to get to grips with, once you’re in the zone, it’s a really fun watch.
Trigger warning: there are some pretty disturbing scenes from the offset. Watch the trailer here.
Sleeping Dog
Sleeping Dog is a thriller-mystery that pushes together an ex-copper gone rogue and a hopeful new police recruit.
It’s a limited series (6 episodes), which I love, as it gives you a feeling of accomplishment, as well as a clear rounding off of a complex and tense story.
Biohackers
Biohackers is a “techno-thriller” (whatever that means), which follows the antics of Mia, a medical student interested in bio-hacking technology. Mia gets involved in the world of illegal genetic experimentation, amongst other things.
The story line is absurd, but highly compelling. I watched two whole series in the space of only a couple of weeks. Expect tension, over-acting and plenty of beautiful shots of the city of Freiburg.
Kleo
I LOVE Kleo. If you enjoyed Killing Eve (the series that inspired my Why you should cultivate an alter ego in your target language and how to do it post), then Kleo is for you.
Kleo is an action-thriller comedy series which follows Kleo’s revenge journey – a former East German Stasi assassin – after her arrest and subsequent imprisonment until the fall of the Berlin Wall.
It’s my favourite German series yet! Watch the trailer here.
Are there any other German series you’ve seen and really enjoyed, whether on Netflix or elsewhere? Get in touch by commenting below or reach out on social media – I love TV recommendations!
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