Bernd das Brot - More German Comedy

[teyla]

Remember how I tried to explain about German humor? Well, I'm giving it another go. ;)

This is mostly for lf2871. She asked me whether I like Spongebob, and I told her that I prefer my kids' show heroes to be misanthropic and bread-shaped. This thoroughly confused her, and I realized that she wouldn't know the show I was referring to, since it's a German phenomenon.

In Germany, we have a kids' show called Berd das Brot, which literally translates as Bernd the Bread. I'll just paraphrase the wiki article:

Bernd das Brot (Bernd the bread) is a puppet character on the German children's TV channel KIKA, a frustrated, depressive and disagreeable talking loaf of white bread. His favourite activities include staring at the south wall of his home and memorizing the pattern of his woodchip wallpaper, reading his favourite magazine "The Desert And You", and expanding his video collection of the world's most boring railway tracks.

I don't think there's anyone in Germany who doesn't know Bernd das Brot. The show is hilariously funny, and made of awesome. What I love most about it is that Bernd, an introvert and misanthrope par excellence, gets harassed non-stop by his two extroverted 'friends' Briegel der Busch (Briegel the Bush) and Chili das Schaf (Chili the Sheep) into doing highly embarrassing, self-degrading things like getting on-stage and singing in front of groves of people, or dressing up and re-enacting the Dinner for One sketch. I feel I can relate. xD

Comments

[lt-black-fire.livejournal.com]

I found this http://www.spiegel.de/international/0,1518,408450,00.html a while ago, and often use it in lessons about German and British humour. I think that Bernd is great - and very funny indeed.

[teyla]

Ooh, thanks! That's a very interesting article. Hee, and I think most people love Bernd - it's just a great idea.

My life is hell.

[birene.livejournal.com]

I'm still a bit pissed that I'm too old to have grown up with Bernd (had to bear with Enrico the clown at my time) but then, he is quite enjoyable as an adult too. I've got a stuffed Bernd even.



Well, it's not like I have anyone else to keep me company.

Crap!

Re: My life is hell.

[teyla]

Wooh! That is so awesome! I want one, too, lol. xD

I didn't actually grow up with bernd, either - I wasn't allowed to watch TV as a kid. But I don't think I would have understood him as a kid, anyway.

[hibernia1.livejournal.com]

Oh wow, I love Bernd! I never saw him yet, but he's the potential of becoming one of my heroes! Those awkward hands!

[teyla]

Lol, they're the reason for his depression. He can't do anything, because his arms are far too short. That's why he prefers to sit at home and be miserable. xD

[hibernia1.livejournal.com]

When's he on? I couldn't find him in the TV-Guide. He totally reminds me of House.