The German Lesson is a 2019 German drama film directed by Christian Schwochow. It is based on the novel of the same name by Siegfried Lenz.
The story takes place in the small village of Malente in North Germany during the years of the Second World War. As part of the Nazi policy of spreading German culture and language, a young boy named Siggi Jepsen is tasked by his teacher with writing an essay about "The Joys of Duty". However, Siggi's father is a painter who has been classified by the Nazis as a "degenerate artist" and is therefore forbidden from painting. Siggi secretly helps his father with his artwork and hides his paintings in a barn, but when the Nazi authorities find out about the paintings, they demand that Siggi reveal the location of the hidden artwork.
Siggi is torn between his sense of duty to his teacher and country and his individual conscience and morality, which tells him to protect his father and his art. As the pressure from the Nazi authorities increases, Siggi's dilemma becomes more acute. In the end, he decides to destroy the paintings, which leads to a tragic and fateful turn of events.
The German Lesson explores themes of individual freedom, artistic expression, and the power of authoritarian states to suppress both. The film features strong performances from the cast, including Ulrich Noethen as Siggi's father, Tobias Moretti as his teacher, and Levi Eisenblätter as the young Siggi. The stunning cinematography captures the beauty of the North German landscape, which stands in contrast to the dark and oppressive atmosphere created by the Nazi regime. The German Lesson is a poignant and powerful film that offers a sobering reminder of the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs, no matter the cost.