Top 5 German Christmas Movies for Learning German

Do you love Christmas and are you looking for a German movie to improve your German while getting into the festive spirit at the same time?

We’ve put together our top 5 German Christmas movies that help you learn German no matter your level. In addition, these films not only entertain you but also help you practise vocabulary and listening comprehension. There is something for everyone – whether you enjoy romance, drama, or humorous stories. Therefore, they are perfect for relaxing, laughing, and practising German in an entertaining way during the cold season.

 

Tip #1: Drei Haselnüsse für Aschenbrödel (1973)

If you spend Christmas in Germany, you can’t miss this German-Czech film. Most people know the story: after the death of her father, Cinderella lives with her wicked stepmother and stepsister. She must obey her stepmother’s strict orders, which makes her life difficult. When the prince invites everyone to a ball, he falls in love with the mysterious beauty – Cinderella – who immediately captures his heart. Then, when she loses her shoe while leaving the ball, the prince sets out to find her. The film combines fairy tale elements, adventure, and a tender love story. Therefore, it is perfect for a wintery atmosphere.

💡 Language tip:
The film features many clear, calm dialogues and is well suited for learners at A2–B1 level. The fairy-tale language is easy to understand, includes many everyday expressions, and is ideal for practising listening comprehension.

 

Tip #2: Zwei Weihnachtsmänner (2008)

If you’re looking for plenty of humour, you’ll love this two-part comedy. When the comedians Bastian Pastewka and Christoph Maria Herbst meet, you know it’s going to be entertaining. Two men who couldn’t be more different meet on a plane and suddenly find themselves stranded in Bratislava due to a snowstorm. From there, a turbulent winter journey across Eastern Europe begins, full of misunderstandings, absurd situations, and an unexpected friendship. A funny Christmas film that shows how chaotic — and at the same time heartwarming — the Christmas season can be.

💡 Language tip:
Perfect for B1–B2 learners who want to hear everyday spoken German and typical colloquial language. The humorous dialogues help you understand idioms and spontaneous speech.

 

Tip #3: Alles ist Liebe (2014)

Based on the British film classic Love Actually (2003), this German Christmas film tells the story of ten women and men who struggle with different love and relationship problems in the days leading up to Christmas. Next, the individual stories gradually intertwine to form an overall picture of humour, misunderstandings, and genuine emotions. It is a perfect film for anyone who enjoys romantic Christmas vibes, modern characters, and a lot of heart.

💡 Language tip:
This film is very well suited for advanced learners (B2), as it features modern everyday language, conversations about relationships, and a wide range of speaking styles.

 

Tip #4: Sissi (1955)

For many people in Germany, the three Sissi films are an integral part of the Christmas season. Therefore, they are considered absolute classics, even though they were produced in Austria. These romantic historical films tell the story of the young Austrian empress Elisabeth in the 19th century. The first film shows how she meets the young emperor Franz. Their love appears genuine and carefree. However, it soon becomes clear that many challenges lie ahead. The second and third films, Sissi – Die junge Kaiserin (1956) and Sissi – Schicksalsjahre einer Kaiserin (1957), focus mainly on Sissi’s life at court. She must fulfil her duties while also dealing with political problems and health issues. This film series is recommended for anyone who enjoys romantic and historical stories and wants to learn more about the life of one of the most famous women in European history.

💡 Language tip:
The language is somewhat formal and historical — very good for B1–B2 learners who want to practise polite expressions, older forms of wording, and clear pronunciation.

 

Tip #5: Ich habe den Weihnachtsmann geküsst (2024)

This 2024 film mixes humour, love, and an intriguing mystery in an entertaining way. Christmas hater Laura spends the holidays with her daughter at her parents’ house, with whom she has had a strained relationship for years. One morning, she wakes up with no memory of the previous night, and her grandmother, who has dementia, has disappeared without a trace. Together with a former classmate, Laura sets out to solve the mystery and find her grandmother. Along the way, she meets three men and must figure out which one is right for her. In addition, it is a turbulent, heartwarming film full of chaos, love, and Christmas magic.

💡 Language tip:
The film features plenty of modern dialogue and everyday situations, making it ideal for B1–B2 learners who want to hear natural, contemporary language. It helps practise everyday vocabulary, idioms, and listening comprehension.

 

 

👉 By the way: You can watch all of these movies on TV during the Christmas season or stream them on Netflix or in the ARD Mediathek.

Did you enjoy our recommendations? We wish you lots of fun watching, learning German, and a wonderful Christmas time! 🎄