Sönke Wortmann’s New Feature ‘Die Ältern’ Receives Standing Ovation at German Premieres
COLOGNE, 5 February 2026 – One of Germany’s most commercially successful filmmakers, Sönke Wortmann, has returned to the spotlight this week with the premiere of his latest project, Die Ältern. Following a glitzy world premiere in Hamburg’s new Kinopolis HafenCity, the production moved to Cologne yesterday, where it was met with enthusiastic applause from local audiences and critics alike.
A New Collaboration with Jan Weiler
Die Ältern marks the second time Wortmann has adapted a work by the popular German author Jan Weiler, following their successful collaboration on the 2022 film Der Nachname. The new film is a tragicomedy that explores the complexities of ageing and family dynamics, a theme Wortmann has mastered in recent years through his celebrated trilogy consisting of Der Vorname (2018), Der Nachname (2022), and Der Spitzname (2024).
Early critical reviews suggest that Wortmann is on track for his sixth consecutive box-office hit. The director, perhaps best known internationally for his 2003 historical drama The Miracle of Bern (Das Wunder von Bern), has pivoted successfully into high-end social comedies that resonate deeply with the German middle class.
Key Details: Die Ältern (2026)
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Director | Sönke Wortmann |
| Screenplay | Based on the work of Jan Weiler |
| Genre | Tragicomedy / Comedy |
| Running Time | 104 Minutes |
| German Cinema Release | 12 February 2026 |
| Age Rating | FSK 6 (Suitable for ages 6 and up) |
The Legacy of the ‘Name’ Trilogy
While Die Ältern is the primary focus of the current press tour, Wortmann’s previous work continues to circulate in regional cinemas. Der Spitzname, the third instalment of his “Name” series, is currently seeing a resurgence in local screenings across North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony. The trilogy, which began as a chamber play in Der Vorname, has become a staple of modern German cinema, known for its sharp dialogue and satirical take on bourgeois family gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I watch ‘Die Ältern’ in German cinemas?
The film is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on 12 February 2026. It has already premiered in Hamburg and Cologne to positive reception.
Is ‘Die Ältern’ a sequel to ‘Der Spitzname’?
No, Die Ältern is a standalone tragicomedy. However, it shares a similar creative DNA with Wortmann’s previous comedies and is also based on the literary world of Jan Weiler.
What is Sönke Wortmann’s most famous film?
While his recent comedies are highly popular, Wortmann gained international fame for The Miracle of Bern (2003), which depicts West Germany’s unexpected victory in the 1954 FIFA World Cup.