How British Expatriates in Germany and France Cope with Dubbed Films and TV Shows

Living abroad as a British expatriate in Germany or France presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to engaging with local television and cinema. The pervasive nature of dubbed content can sometimes create cultural barriers or, at best, a loss of nuance. This article aims to explore how British expatriates manage this challenge and offers insights into the cultural dynamics at play.

Introduction

Living in Germany from 1980 to 1995 was an incredible experience, marked by the arrival of satellite TV in the late 1980s. Prior to this, watching British programmes involved waiting for well-meaning relatives to tape them and post them over. The excitement of receiving these tapes was palpable. However, the experience of watching films and TV in German, especially dubbed content, can be both enlightening and frustrating.

Adapting to Dubbed Content

For many British expatriates, the ability to appreciate films and TV in their original language is a luxury they are used to. Even those who enjoy German films in German can find the experience of watching non-English content, particularly English-language films with German dubbing, less satisfying. This is especially true for British films, where cultural references and idioms can be lost in translation. For instance, the Carry On films, known for their bathroom humour, are often a source of disdain when dubbed into German, as the jokes are often misinterpreted or lost entirely.

The Cultural Nuance of Dubbing

One of the most striking aspects of dubbed content is the loss of cultural nuances. A British expatriate's experience in Germany was punctuated by such instances. For example, watching the episode of Two and a Half Men with German dubbing involved a significant cultural shift in understanding the joke. In the English version, the character Alan explains the term 'booty call' as a cowboy washing in the river while wearing only boots, warning others about a naked cowboy. However, in the German dubbed version, the term was translated as 'quicky.' This change completely alters the intended humor, turning a culturally specific reference into something completely nonsensical.

Watching Films with Friends

Watching films and TV shows with friends who are also British expatriates is a unique experience. There is a shared understanding of the source material and the cultural references. British expatriates often choose to watch films in German dubbing, especially with friends who are learning the language. This allows for a collective learning experience and a deepening of cultural understanding. However, it can also result in a mix of English and German, which can be entertaining but also confusing at times.

Chris' Personal Experience

From personal experience, I found that the quality of dubbed German films was variable. Sometimes the dubbing was true to the original, but other times it could be a disaster. Watching a film like A Beautiful Mind in English original was a must because the nuances and depth of the dialogue were better preserved. The cultural references were intact, and the story's complexity was more fully realized. The dubbing, while sometimes affecting, often left important nuances out, making the films less immersive.

Strategies for Dealing with Dubbing

For those who find dubbed content too frustrating, there are strategies to mitigate the impact. Watching films and TV shows online or on streaming platforms like Netflix can be a solution. However, it comes with the added expense of paying the Rundfunkbeitrag TV and Radio fee, which is €210 per year, to avoid missing out on local content. This fee is required to continue enjoying the services of public broadcasters.

Conclusion

British expatriates in Germany and France have found ways to navigate the challenges of dubbed content. Whether by watching films with friends, choosing to watch in the original language, or finding a compromise, there are strategies to enjoy the cultural offerings of the host country while maintaining a connection to home. The nuances of culture and language are best preserved when everyone is open to different interpretations and experiences.