Finally, the time has come, and you are here to hunt for ways to enhance your German language learning. If you have been learning German for a while and are looking for a nice, easy German series to improve your vocabulary and listening skills, then Babylon Berlin is definitely the right choice!
This noir crime drama set in Berlin in the 1920s will not only give a boost to your German but also provide valuable insights into German history, in particular into how life was during the Weimar Republic (the democratic regime in Germany between the two world wars).
And with Jolii, you can import your favourite scenes and actually enjoy learning from them as you watch. Sounds like a win-win, doesn’t it? Are you ready to learn German with TV series? Los geht’s!
What Makes It Special To Learn German Online With Babylon Berlin
Netflix and other streaming services have revolutionised the way we watch TV and, indirectly, the way in which we learn languages. It may sound like long ago, but until recently, foreign TV shows were not easily accessible worldwide.
Today, however, they are just a click away. Learning German online is getting easier and easier also, thanks to tools like Jolii which have made it even far easier to understand the meanings of foreign languages.
Babylon Berlin is a fantastic series to not only learn the language but also learn about German history, making it a special choice for your language-learning journey.
Pros and Cons of Learning German with Babylon Berlin
Watching Babylon Berlin may not be a good choice for everyone. So here are a few pros and cons that will guide you toward an informed decision.
| Pros | Cons |
| Visual and Auditory Learning: The combination of visuals, music, and sound effects supports different learning styles. The repeated use of music makes it easy to memorise the lyrics, vocabulary, and expressions. | The pacing of dialogue: Fast-paced conversations might be difficult at first, but they also provide an incentive to improve listening skills. Don’t get discouraged; if you keep watching, they will become easier and easier. |
| Authentic dialogues: Use of everyday language and expressions you will hardly find in German textbooks! | Berlin accent: Most of the characters speak Berlinerisch, which can be challenging if you are new to it. For instance, the pronunciation of “ich” (I) as “ick” can be surprising. |
| Cultural insights: The show provides an insight into German society and culture of that time, helping you better understand today’s Germany as well.. | Historical context: Some historical references might not be understandable for foreign learners. A little research can turn these into a chance to engage more with German history. |
| It’s fun: Babylon Berlin is an enjoyable show, especially when watched in the original language. What better way to learn a language than with content you genuinely enjoy? Jolii makes it possible by offering personalized lessons that adapt to your needs and level. You can import any scene from Babylon Berlin and learn while having fun watching. |
Scene analysis: Learn German with Babylon Berlin.
Let’s now get into the practical part. The show centres on the handsome police commissioner Gereon Rath, who is transferred from Cologne to Berlin to investigate local gangs in the Weimar Republic’s capital. His investigations lead him into a dark world of drugs, corruption, and glamour.
In the scene we are going to watch, Russian aristocrat and spy Svetlana Sorokina, (known by the alias Nikoros), sings the song “Zu Asche, Zu Staub (“To Ashes, To Dust”), which became a memorable part of the show. The music isn’t just background; together with the lyrics, it reflects the mood of the time, giving you a feel for the energetic and sometimes decadent nightlife of the Golden Twenties.
Give the scene a first watch to get into the show’s mood and see if you can pick up some of the lyrics.
Key German Vocabulary to Understand the Song
The lyrics of the song might not be that easy to understand on the first listen as they contain many specific words that often appear in the show and are often tied to the show’s themes of life, immortality, time, and eternity.
We recommend you take a look at the following table and then listen to the song for a second time. Trust us, you will get the meaning much better!
German Vocabulary Words Used in Babylon Berlin
| German Word / Phrase | German Definition | English Translation |
| Asche | Reste, die nach dem Verbrennen bleiben | Ash, ashes |
| Staub | Sehr feine Partikel, die in der Luft schweben oder sich auf Oberflächen sammeln | Dust |
| Licht | Etwas, das Helligkeit verbreitet. | Light |
| Wunder | Etwas Außergewöhnliches, das Verwunderung auslöst | Wonder, miracle |
| Ozean | Sehr großes Gewässer; hier metaphorisch für Unendlichkeit | Ocean |
| Ewiges Gesetz | Ein immer geltendes, unveränderliches Prinzip | Eternal law |
| Traum | Bildhafte Vorstellung, oft im Schlaf, hier als Lebensvision | Dream |
| Uhr | Ein Gerät zur Anzeige der Zeit | Clock |
| Sand | Feine Körner, oft an Stränden; hier symbolisch für die Vergänglichkeit | Sand. Here referring to the hourglass (sand-filled clock) |
| Ewig | Ohne Ende, für immer | Eternal |
| Glück | Ein Zustand der Freude | Happiness |
| Qual | Starke, oft seelische Schmerzen | Torment, anguish |
| Verzeihen | Jemandem für einen Fehler vergeben | To forgive |
| Unsterblichkeit | Zustand des ewigen Lebens | Immortality |
The song opens with the sentence:
“Zu Asche, zu Staub, Dem Licht geraubt, Doch noch nicht jetzt, Wunder warten bis zuletzt”
“To ashes, to dust, robbed of the light, but not yet now, wonders wait until the end”.
The sentence reflects the inevitability of death (Zu Asche, zu Staub – To ashes, to dust), but it also contains a sense of resistance with:
Doch noch nicht jetzt. (but not yet now).
Learn How To Use The “Doch” In German Language Learning
You might have already encountered doch in your studies and wondered what it means. Doch is actually one of those German words that are very difficult to translate into English. Depending on the context, it can mean but, though, yet, just, actually, after all. Let’s look at its three main uses.
| Use of Doch | Meaning in English | Examples |
| Contradicting a statement | Yes / Actually | A: Du hast sicher keine Lust, heute Abend auszugehen. You probably don’t feel like going out tonight.B: Doch! Yes, I do! A: Du hast die Rechnung bestimmt vergessen. You probably forgot the bill.B: Doch, ich habe sie schon bezahlt. Actually, I already paid it. |
| Intensifying orders and statements | Just / After all | Komm doch mit uns zum Konzert! Just come with us to the concert! Mein neues Kleid ist doch schön!my new dress is nice, after all! |
| Contrast, unexpected result | But / Yet | Es regnet, doch wir gehen trotzdem spazieren. It’s raining, but we’re going for a walk anyway. Ich war müde, doch ich konnte nicht einschlafen. I was tired, yet I couldn’t fall asleep. |
Doch is a word every German uses several times a day. Learning how to use it will add authenticity to your German and make you sound more like a native speaker. With Jolii you can practise doch and much more, with examples from everyday language. When you have the right language learning tools, learning German is not that difficult as it may seem!
Best German Shows For Language Learning
Apart from Babylon Berlin, there are many German TV series to learn German while you are binge-watching. Here is a selection of the best German series for beginners:
1. How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast): Follows high school student Moritz as he starts an online drug business to impress his ex-girlfriend. This comedy show is full of modern dialogue and relatable slang that makes it easy for beginners to learn everyday vocabulary. It can also help acquiring vocabulary which might turn out useful if you want to learn business German.
2. Freud: A fictionalised story of the early life of Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, blending psychology and thriller elements. It offers sophisticated dialogue and psychological terminology, enriching the learner’s cultural knowledge.
3. Deutschland 83/86/89: This trilogy of spy dramas explores life in East and West Germany during the Cold War. The shows offer a historical perspective alongside compelling narratives, enhancing cultural understanding while learning German.
Movies might be difficult to understand if you are just starting out with German. Consider listening to some music first to improve your listening skills! Du Hast by Rammstein and Oft Gefragt by AnnenMayKantereit are our top picks when it comes to learning German through music.
Conclusion
Binge-watching an easy German series is a fun and immersive way to improve your German while enjoying an entertaining story. Each scene teaches you practical vocabulary, slang, and cultural insights. And with Jolii you can take your learning to the next level. Jolii allows you to learn German with a TV series and makes your learning effective by creating and customizing lessons that aim to improve your German skills.
Are you ready to travel back in time to Berlin in 1929? Download Jolii today, import Babylon Berlin and enjoy the show!
BONUS: Practising German with Babylon Berlin.
Exercise 1: Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise: “Zu Asche, Zu Staub”
It’s now time to practise! Listen to “Zu Asche, Zu Staub” one more time and fill in the missing words from the list below.
Staub – Unsterblichkeit – Licht – Qual – ewig – Ozean – Glück – Uhr – Wunder – Traum – Ewiges Gesetz – Sand – Asche – verzeihen
Good luck!
Zu (1), zu (2)
Dem (3) geraubt
Doch noch nicht jetzt
(4) warten bis zuletzt
(5) der Zeit
(6)
Zu Asche, zu Staub
Zu Asche
Doch noch nicht jetzt
Zu Asche, zu Staub
Dem Licht geraubt
Doch noch nicht jetzt
Wunder warten
Doch noch nicht jetzt
Wunder warten bis zuletzt
Es ist doch nur ein (7)
Das bloße Haschen nach dem Wind
Wer weiß es schon genau?
Die (8) an deiner Wand
Sie ist gefüllt mit (9)
Leg deine Hand in mein’
Und lass uns (10) sein
Du triffst nun deine Wahl
Und wirfst uns zwischen (11) und (12)
Doch kann ich dir (13)
Du bist dem Tod so nah
Und doch dein Blick so klar
Erkenne mich
Ich bin bereit
Und such mir die (14)
Answer Key
- Asche
- Staub
- Licht
- Wunder
- Ozean
- Ewiges Gesetz
- Traum
- Uhr
- Sand
- ewig
- Glück
- Qual
- verzeihen
- Unsterblichkeit
Exercise 2: Crosswords
Now fill in these crosswords with the correct words!
.FAQs
Q: Can I learn German with Babylon Berlin?
A: Of course! If you are looking to learn German with TV series, Babylon Berlin is an excellent choice. By watching it, you will learn many everyday expressions, and your German will improve without you even realising it. With Jolii, you can then practise and retain vocabulary and expressions featured in the show.
Q: Is the German used in Babylon Berlin understandable?
A: It depends. Many characters in the show speak with an accent from Berlin, so it might take some exposure to get used to it. If you are just starting your language learning journey, it might be better to start with an easier German TV series for beginners featuring a neutral accent or with a dubbed TV show.
Q: How does Jolii help with learning German through TV shows?
A: With Jolii you can import scenes, practice vocabulary, pronunciation and much more. If you enjoy learning German with TV series, Jolii is the best complement to enhance your learning.
