Only at an advanced level. This true-crime podcast from ZEIT is a conversation at native speed about real cases, so it suits you once you can follow unscripted German for long stretches and want serious, adult subject matter.
- Level
- Advanced
- Format
- Podcast
- Year
- 2026
- Episodes
- 410
Why it works for learners
Unlike a learner podcast, nothing here is adapted for you. Journalists talk through a case in detail, which gives you the language of courts, police, psychology and evidence, plus the natural way educated Germans discuss complicated things. A story with suspense pulls you through long episodes, so you keep listening when effort would otherwise run out. With hundreds of episodes in the archive, you will not run out of material.
What makes it hard
Legal terms and long compound nouns come quickly, and there are no pictures or subtitles to rescue you. Speakers interrupt and react to one another. Cases can also be disturbing, so check whether that subject matter is something you want to spend hours with.
How to use it
Pick a case that interests you and listen in two sittings, slowing playback slightly if your app allows it. Learn a small set of legal words first, such as those for charges and verdicts. Afterwards, retell the case aloud in German from memory.
More for German learners: our German guides.
Keep it where you'll see it
Save Verbrechen and log every episode or chapter toward your German hours. Free for one language.
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