Learn German with Film: Matthias Schweighöfer

In the German-speaking world, Matthias Schweighöfer is a big deal. The still rather young actor has already appeared in over 70 films. He’s branched into writing, directing, and producing. And over the last few years, he’s been steadily working as a musician. Schweighöfer is well known for his comedic roles, often in romantic comedies that are a little bit over the top.

But part of what has made him so successful and so believable in his roles is his sheepish, boyish charm.

So this month, let’s better get to know Matthias Schweighöfer and learn German with film!

Get to Know Matthias Schweighöfer

Matthias Schweighöfer was born on March 11, 1981, just north of Berlin in the northeastern German town of Anklam. His parents, Michael and Gitta Schweighöfer, are also actors. In fact, you can spot of parents in a number of their son’s films. The couple divorced several years after Matthias’ birth and he grew up with his mother.

By way of his parents, Schweighöfer had early exposure to the theater stage. By the age of 16, he had appeared in his first television film, Raus aus der Haut. He found steady work as an actor on television throughout the ’90s.

A number of roles in the early 2000s, such as the film version of Benjamin von Stuckrad-Barre’s Soloalbum, earned the actor positive reviews and awards.

What a Man

Schweighöfer makes his directorial and writing debuts in 2011’s What a Man. And that’s before we mention his starring role as Alex. In the film, Alex discovers his long-term girlfriend is having an affair. With their relationship over, he moves in with his friend Nele (portrayed by Sibel Kekilli).

Now that he’s single, Alex decides to reflect on his relationship and masculinity. But in the meantime, Nele’s own relationship isn’t going so well and sparks begin to fly.

The film also features Elyas M’Barek, Katharina Schüttler, and Nora Tschirner.

You Are Wanted

You Are Wanted is the first Amazon Original Series to be released internationally that isn’t in English. For the actor, this role is quite different than his standard romantic comedies.

In the web series, Schweighöfer stars as Lukas, a hotel manager in Berlin. After a cyber-attack, he is a suspected member of an activist terrorist group. No matter where Lukas turns, he is being pursued and followed. No one trusts him. Not even his own family. Can he figure out who is behind this? And, more importantly, how to end it?

Alexandra Maria Lara plays Lukas’ wife Hanna.

Schlussmacher

Also known as The Break-Up Man in the English-speaking film world, Schlussmacher focuses on Paul, a professional “separator.” That is, he works at a professional separation agency that “assists” in ending romantic relationships. Paul gets a little too involved in the lives of his customers when he tries to help Toto. Portrayed by Milan Peschel, Toto is the boyfriend of a customer. Working with Toto, Paul starts to reflect on his own life and relationships.

The film from 2013 is Schweighöfer’s second as director.