The Best German Series on Netflix You Shouldn’t Miss (2025 Guide)

In recent years, German television has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a creative powerhouse that’s producing content with global appeal. These shows are no longer just local hits. They’ve become internationally acclaimed for their rich storytelling, immersive atmospheres, and emotional complexity. Whether you’re drawn to dark thrillers, historical epics, or clever teen dramas, Germany now offers series that can compete with, and often outshine, their American and British counterparts.

Thanks to Netflix’s growing international catalog, these exceptional German productions are now more accessible than ever. For global viewers, they present a fresh alternative to mainstream TV with original narratives, a variety of genres, and deep cultural insight. For language learners, they offer a goldmine of modern dialogue and regional flavor. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 10 German series to watch on Netflix, plus how to access them, what tools to use, and what makes them stand out from the crowd.

Key Points

German series bring something new to the table. Expect intelligent plots, emotional nuance, and a unique European storytelling style.
Audio in German with subtitles is ideal for learners who want to hear natural conversations in context.
Access depends on your location, but with the right tools (like a high-quality VPN), you can unlock Germany’s full Netflix catalog legally and safely.

What Are the Top German Series to Watch on Netflix Right Now?

With so many titles available, it can be hard to decide where to begin. Below are ten must-watch German series on Netflix, each one critically praised and with something unique to offer. From high-concept science fiction to gritty crime sagas, this curated list has something for every type of viewer.

1. The Empress (2022–present)

If you’re into royal intrigue and sweeping romance, The Empress is your next obsession. This stunning period drama brings the life of Elisabeth of Bavaria to the screen with a modern twist. Rebellion, passion, and power struggles at the royal court all included. It’s beautifully shot and dangerously addictive.

2. King of Stonks (2022)

Felix’s climb to the top is as wild as it gets. This sardonic snapshot perfectly captures the high-stakes absurdity of scamming your way through Germany’s fintech scene. Expect cutthroat hustle, shady deals, and a relentless dark-comedy vibe that’ll have you hooked.

Inspired by real financial scandals, this dark comedy dives headfirst into the chaos of the startup world. Think The Wolf of Wall Street, but in German and even more outrageous. Fast, flashy, and filled with corporate absurdity , it’s the perfect binge if you love your drama with a side of satire.

3. Barbarians (2020–2022)

History buffs and action fans, rejoice. Barbarians recreates the epic Battle of the Teutoburg Forest with cinematic flair. There’s betrayal, bloody battles, and tribal politics that’ll have you hooked from the first episode. Like Game of Thrones, but rooted in real events.

4. Biohackers (2020–2021)

In this fast-paced thriller, science gets personal. A med student stumbles upon a world of genetic experiments and dangerous secrets. Biohackers blends sleek visuals with real ethical dilemmas, it’s a perfect pick if you like your sci-fi grounded in reality.

5. Criminal: Germany (2019)

Ever wonder how much tension can exist in just one room? This stripped-down interrogation series proves it’s a lot. Each episode keeps you guessing, with clever dialogue and powerhouse performances that turn psychological chess matches into edge-of-your-seat drama.

6. We Are the Wave (2019)

Inspired by the classic novel The Wave, this modern reboot follows a group of teens who start a political movement, but things quickly spiral out of control. It’s bold, thought-provoking, and deeply relevant to the activism-driven mindset of today’s youth.

7. Skylines (2019)

In Frankfurt’s flashy music scene, ambition can be deadly. Skylines follows a rising hip-hop producer pulled into the criminal underworld. With a killer soundtrack and moody cinematography, this one’s a stylish ride through beats and bullets.

8. Dogs of Berlin (2018)

A murder case forces two mismatched detectives to work together in a Berlin bubbling with racial tension, corruption, and crime. Gritty and unapologetically raw, Dogs of Berlin pulls no punches. Perfect for fans of hard-edged cop dramas.

9. How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) (2019–2021)

What starts as a nerdy attempt to win back an ex turns into a digital drug empire. Funny, fast, and full of heart, this coming-of-age tech satire is like Breaking Bad for the TikTok generation. Based (loosely) on a true story!

10. Dark (2017–2020)

Let’s be honest, Dark is a masterpiece. This mind-bending time-travel thriller starts with a missing child and unfolds into a deeply layered story about fate, family, and parallel worlds. Atmospheric, intellectual, and unforgettable. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re in for something special.

What’s the Best German Show for Beginners in the Language?

If you’re new to German, How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) is a great starting point. The language is modern and conversational, and the pacing allows you to follow along without getting overwhelmed. The show also includes visual cues and on-screen messages that reinforce context, making it easier to understand idiomatic expressions or slang.

Another good option is The Empress, which uses more formal and clear speech, especially helpful for practicing listening comprehension. Since it’s a period drama, the language may be slightly old-fashioned but still articulated at a deliberate pace.

Subreddits like r/NetflixByProxy or r/German often have threads about newly available German titles and viewing tips. You’ll find suggestions, subtitle files, and lesser-known recommendations curated by passionate fans and language learners alike.

How Can I Watch German Netflix Shows That Aren’t Available in My Region?

If you’ve searched for one of these titles only to find it’s unavailable in your country, you’re not alone. Due to licensing agreements, not all German content is accessible worldwide, but there are safe and legal ways to expand your viewing options.

The most effective method is to use a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN masks your IP address and allows you to appear as if you’re browsing from another country, such as Germany, instantly unlocking that region’s Netflix library. Top-tier services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark consistently bypass Netflix’s geo-blocks and maintain fast, buffer-free streaming.

If you’re relocating or living abroad for an extended time, you can also update your Netflix billing country. This changes your catalog based on your payment region, no VPN required. It’s a more permanent method and ideal for expats or digital nomads, though not as flexible for short-term travelers.

uNoGS (unogs.com) is a third-party tool that tells you which countries a Netflix title is available in. Just type the name of a German show, and it shows you every region where it’s accessible. Very helpful before setting your VPN location.

Here’s how to get started with a VPN:

Choose a trusted VPN provider.
Install the app and connect to a German server.
Open Netflix. Your catalog will now match Netflix Germany’s.
Search for titles not available in your home region, and enjoy.

Pro Tip: Use Google with the keyword “site:netflix.com [show title]” to find the direct Netflix link.

Can I Download These Shows to Watch Offline?

Absolutely. Netflix allows downloads for most of its original content, including German series. This is a great option if you’re traveling or on a limited data plan. Just tap the download icon next to the episode, and you’ll have it stored locally for offline viewing.

Note: If you’re using a VPN, make sure you’re connected to the correct country when downloading, as availability depends on the current catalog.

Conclusion

German TV has come a long way, and today, it’s an exciting space for bold ideas, layered storytelling, and top-tier production quality. Whether you’re in it for the thrill, the culture, or the language, there’s something deeply satisfying about discovering shows that go beyond the Hollywood formula.

Netflix makes it easier than ever to access these hidden gems, especially with tools like VPNs, subtitle options, and community resources. If you’re looking to expand your viewing habits, and maybe even pick up some German along the way, now’s the perfect time to dive in.