"Deutschland" is a compelling coming-of-age drama set during the politically charged 1980s in Germany. It follows Martin Rauch, a 24-year-old from East Germany, who is recruited by the Stasi to infiltrate West Germany as an undercover spy within the West German military, tasked with uncovering NATO secrets. The series intricately explores the complex cultural and political tensions of the era, as Martin navigates a world filled with deception, shifting loyalties, and hidden personal intrigues.
Trivia/Behind-the-Scenes:
1. Jonas Nay, who plays the lead role of Martin Rauch, underwent extensive training to authentically portray a soldier, including learning military drills and handling period-accurate weaponry.
2. The production chose to film in real locations across Germany, including parts of former East Berlin, to create an authentic atmosphere that vividly captures the divided Germany of the 1980s.
3. Maria Schrader, renowned not only for her acting but also for her directing, brought depth to her role as Lenora Rauch by drawing on her own experiences in German cultural circles during the Cold War, adding layers of nuance to the character.
Ran for 4 seasons.
Main Cast of Deutschland
Jonas Nay
Martin Rauch / Moritz Stamm / Frank Jonas
Jonas Nay played a pivotal role in the German TV series 'Deutschland 83' and its sequels, portraying Martin Rauch, a young East German spy sent to the West during the Cold War. His performance was widely acclaimed for its depth and authenticity, skillfully conveying the internal conflict of a spy torn between loyalty and personal conscience. What made Nay's portrayal unique was his nuanced expression of vulnerability beneath a stoic exterior, bringing a relatable humanity to a complex historical context. A lesser-known fact is that Nay performed many of his own stunts and underwent intense language coaching to perfect his English and accent for the role, demonstrating his dedication to immersing himself fully in the character.
Maria Schrader
Lenora Rauch
Maria Schrader delivers a compelling and intense performance as Lenora Rauch in the TV series 'Deutschland,' portraying a complex Stasi officer with chilling precision and nuanced emotional depth. Unlike her roles in lighter films like 'Love Life,' Schrader fully immerses herself in the dark themes of espionage and political intrigue, showcasing her versatility as an actress. A notable trivia fact is that Schrader, beyond acting, is also an accomplished director and writer, having won acclaim for directing the Oscar-nominated film 'Stefan Zweig: Farewell to Europe.'
Svenja Jung
Nicole Zangen, professeur de Max
Fans of Svenja Jung will appreciate her role in the TV series 'Deutschland' as it showcases her ability to embody complex, multifaceted characters rooted in historical intrigue and emotional depth. Compared to her most iconic performance in 'Who Am I', where she portrays a tech-savvy and determined young woman navigating the cybercrime underworld, her character in 'Deutschland' is immersed in the tense geopolitical atmosphere of Cold War Germany, offering a different but equally compelling dimension to her acting repertoire. An interesting detail about her role in 'Deutschland' is that despite initially being a minor character, her performance was so impactful that the show's creators expanded her storyline in subsequent seasons, highlighting her talent and the unexpected resonance with the audience.
Sylvester Groth
Walter Schweppenstette
Sylvester Groth portrayed the character of Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi Propaganda Minister, in the TV series 'Deutschland' (also known as 'Deutschland 83' and its sequels). This role is significant as it placed him in a historical and politically charged narrative, showcasing his ability to portray complex and intense characters rooted in real historical events. Compared to his earlier or more familiar work, which includes a variety of roles in German theater and film, including collaborations with filmmaker Michael Haneke, his performance in 'Deutschland' stood out for its depth and nuance in embodying a notorious historical figure. This role demonstrated Groth's range and his capacity to bring a compelling human dimension to a character often viewed through a singularly villainous lens, thereby enriching his career portfolio and expanding his international recognition.
Carina Wiese
Ingrid Rauch
Fans of Carina Wiese will appreciate her role in the TV series 'Deutschland' for the depth and authenticity she brings to her character, showcasing her ability to portray complex emotions and nuanced narratives. Compared to her most iconic performance, which often highlights intense dramatic roles, her part in 'Deutschland' offers a fresh perspective by delving into historical and political themes, enriching her repertoire and engaging viewers with its layered storytelling. An interesting detail about her casting in 'Deutschland' is that Carina Wiese was chosen for her character because of her personal background and insights into German history, which lent greater realism and personal connection to the role, making her performance even more compelling.
Lavinia Wilson
Brigitte Winkelmann
Lavinia Wilson played the role of Hannah in the TV series 'Deutschland' (also known as 'Deutschland 83/86/89'), where she portrayed a key character navigating the complex political and personal tensions of Cold War Germany. This role stands out in her career as it allowed her to engage deeply with historical and political drama, contrasting with her earlier work which often focused on contemporary and more intimate character studies. Unlike some of her well-known films centered around personal or psychological narratives, her performance in 'Deutschland' was marked by a blend of emotional depth and historical context, showcasing her versatility and enhancing her profile in internationally recognized TV productions.
Sonja Gerhardt
Annett Schneider
Alexander Beyer
Tobias Tischbier
Uwe Preuss
Markus Fuchs
Anke Engelke
Barbara Dietrich
Fritzi Haberlandt
Tina Fischer , Tina Fisher
Florence Kasumba
Rose Seithathi
Ulrich Noethen
General Wolfgang Edel
Ludwig Trepte
Alex Edel
Lisa Tomaschewsky
Yvonne Edel
Godehard Giese
Karl Kramer
Vladimir Burlakov
Thomas Posimski
Nikola Kastner
Linda Seiler
Raul Casso
Hector Valdez
Philipp Hochmair
Frank Winkelmann
Anna von Berg
Ursula Edel
Errol Trotman-Harewood
General Arnold Jackson
Michaela Caspar
Frau Netz
Florian Bartholomäi
Felix von Schwerin
Niels Bormann
Fritz Hartmann
Chris Veres
Tim
Emil Hostina
Grigore Antonescu
Rainer Sellien
Carl Baumgarten
Samia Chancrin
Sabine Baumgarten
Nicolai Borger
Rolf
Mike Davies
John Tyler
Crew of Deutschland
Full backstage crew list →