German Lesson Plan

Introduction: Introduce your students to the classic and captivating world of "Blaue Engel" (The Blue Angel) with our comprehensive German lesson plan. Directed by Josef von Sternberg, this film explores themes of obsession, downfall, and the complexities of human relationships, making it an excellent tool for language learning and cultural exploration.

Film Summary: "Blaue Engel" tells the story of Immanuel Rath, a teacher at a town high school, who discovers that some of his pupils frequently visit a nightclub called The Blue Angel to see a dancer named Lola. Intrigued, Rath visits the nightclub himself and becomes dangerously entranced by Lola. As he continues to visit, his obsession leads to devastating consequences. The film stars Emil Jannings, Marlene Dietrich, and Kurt Gerron.

Suggested Dates for Classroom Use:

• April 1: Release Date of "Der blaue Engel," discussing the film’s impact and its themes of obsession, downfall, and the rise of Marlene Dietrich as an international star
• December 27: Marlene Dietrich's Birthday, celebrating her iconic role as Lola Lola and her influence on cinema and popular culture
• February 26: Academy Awards Ceremony, reflecting on the film's lasting legacy and its significance in the history of German and international cinema
• August 22: Emil Jannings's Birthday, exploring his role as Professor Rath and his contributions to early German cinema

Conclusion: Using "Blaue Engel" in your classroom enhances language skills while providing insights into themes of obsession, downfall, and human complexity. This lesson plan includes structured activities, discussion questions, and cultural notes to enrich the learning experience. Explore our comprehensive film-based lesson plans and engage your students in meaningful ways. IMDB

Learn more about Blaue Engel

Download Sample German Lesson Plan