• Germany edition
Analysis & Opinion
German of the Week
Photo: DPA

The 'perfect flesh' of Helene Fischer

Published: 3 Jan 13 10:27 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.de/opinion/20130103-47095.html

Helene Fischer isn't just the reigning queen of Schlager music – The Local's "German of Week" has proven herself the country's top all-round entertainer by mastering everything from acting and acrobatics.

If you've never heard of Helene Fischer, simply ask any German over the age of 60 about the pretty blonde entertainer.

The petite 28-year-old is currently the biggest star of Germany's schmaltzy Schlager music scene that is so popular with the country's pensioners.

A regular of the country's plethora of public TV shows featuring granny-friendly Volksmusik, Fischer stands out with her squeaky-clean good looks, unflagging professionalism and ability to sing live. To top it off, Germany's ideal girl next door is dating the country's leading Schlager show host, Florian Silbereisen.

Although she stands only 1.58 metres tall, Fischer's ambition is outsized.

Her latest live album "Für einen Tag" zoomed to the top of the German charts, adding to the five million albums she's sold. A tour of 46 cities sold out its 300,000 tickets.

"When I do something, I go all the way," she told daily newspaper Bild last month.

But not content with a successful singing career, she wowed audiences with a successful TV Christmas special for broadcaster ARD and has joined the cast of Germany's juggernaut of a cruise ship series "Traumschiff" on ZDF. Both TV channels are already reportedly fighting to give her a regular Saturday night variety show this year.

Normally stingy with superlatives, the German press gushes about Fischer. While the daily Die Welt recently described her as "perfection in the flesh," the Rheinische Post said "the multi-talented Schlager singer can simply do everything – even perfection."

Born into an ethnic German family in deepest Siberia in 1984, she moved to Rhineland-Palatinate at the age of four. After graduating from a vocational high school, she studied at stage and musical school in Frankfurt am Main.

She received a recording contract after her mother send her demo CD to an agent, and first appeared on television in May 2005 on "Hochzeitsfest der Volksmusik."

Ironically, she sang a duet with her current beau, Silbereisen.

The Local/mry

External link: www.helene-fischer.de »

What do you think? Leave your comment below.


Your comments about this article:

21:34 January 4, 2013 by 045099256
As an Englishman who regularly listens to Last FM (Schlagermusik) via my computer I have derived much pleasure from listening to Helene Fischer and many many others. Although I don't understand every word sung I usually have a German/English dictionary to hand which helps. Thanks to you all and best wishes for the future.

Glyn Roberts
19:51 January 6, 2013 by william boyd
You won't have to depend on pensioners to identiy Helene Fischer for very much longer. Her beauty and talent are rapidly taking care of any PR needs she may have.

I recently watched a re-broadcast of her Christmas show on ARD's website. This lady is ready, today, for Las Vegas, New York or Hollywood. She has a powerful, crystal clear voice that lets her compare with anyone....ANYONE! She dances and moves on stage with a grace and elegance that is simply amazing. She is the picture of ease and confidence.

Any heterosexual man who could watch the Sinatra medley she did with Nino de Angelo, in that dress, with those high heels, with that hairdo, and that sexy act, and not t urn to stone, is a stronger man than I.
22:28 March 21, 2013 by Jan Howard
Helene Fischer is a truly an all round professional artist. She has class and style.

We are English and have been to all her concerts and also to her Xmas show last year recorded in Berlin which was magical. Do not just lock her into "Schlager".

Helene Fischer appeals to all age groups and will be an International star - though I would hate to see her change by becoming part of the USA scene. She is so natural on stage and at ease with her audience. Her voice and way of changing mood during her concerts is magical. She is a great dancer, acrobat, and is always ready to try something new. Her band and musical Director are very professional and together they are a team. Amazing talent.
ADD YOUR COMMENT   (YOU MUST LOG IN OR REGISTER TO MAKE A COMMENT)
Today's headlines
Photo: DPA

Most Germans optimistic about the future

Although less than 50 percent of Germans are optimistic about their current situation, more than half think their future will be better and the number of pessimists in the country dropped, a survey released on Saturday showed. READ () »

Photo: DPA

Organic food stores expand rapidly

Organic food and health stores are undergoing a hefty expansion in Germany, with the Vitalia chain taking over several locations from the bankrupt Schlecker drugstore chain in Munich alone. READ () »

Photo: DPA

Friedrich wants hate preachers expelled

Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich has called for the expulsion of Islamic religious leaders who preach hate and said Germany’s laws must be changed to accomplish that. READ () »

Photo: DPA

Russians top asylum seekers to Germany

The number of asylum seekers in Germany rose once again in April and was nearly three times higher than last year, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees said on Friday, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reported. READ () »

Photo: DPA

Economists warn against German euro exit

While a third of Germans would rather pay with the old Deutsche mark than the euro, economists warn that a German exit from the currency union would result in a disaster. READ () »

Photo: DPA

Survey: Half of gays harassed in Germany

Nearly 50 percent of German lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents reported being harassed and/or discriminated against last year, a study on the European Union’s LGBT community released on Friday and published in the Süddeutsche Zeitung showed. READ () »

Photo: DPA

Burning ship had tonnes of radioactive material

After a freighter went up in flames at the start of the month while carrying radioactive material into Hamburg's harbour, it has emerged that the German port city receives such hazardous cargo up to seven times a month. READ () »

Photo: CDU

Christian Democrats set up political donation ATM

Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats have installed a automated teller machine for political donations up to €100 at their HQ. The election campaign gag attracts tourists paying a few euros for the receipt it spits out. READ () »

More Analysis & Opinion
RECEIVE OUR NEWSLETTER AND ALERTS
Highlights
Photo: DPA
SOCIETY »
Harmless pink fun or a bad influence on young girls? A life-size Barbie dream house attraction opened in Berlin to protests including a topless woman burning a doll in effigy.
Photo: DPA
OPINION »
At his final heartbeat I knew I had to act. Our German of the Week is Tina K., who, after her brother was beaten to death, has been campaigning for an end to street violence in Berlin.
Photo: DPA
LIFESTYLE »
The Local List: Ten German words with double meanings
Photo: DPA
LIFESTYLE »
The Local's English-language movie listings for Germany
Photo: DPA
LIFESTYLE »
Conflict is part of the fabric of Berlin, but the city's "Peacemaker" soothes things over. Jessica Ware tracked him down for a chat.
Photo: DPA
OPINION »
It might be politically toxic, but it's time to hit the brakes on Germany's reckless driving culture, argues The Local's Ben Knight.
Photo: M&S
SPONSORED ARTICLE
Move over Berlin: why London is Germany's new fashion capital
Photo: Private
OPINION »
For this edition of My German Career, former US military man turned armed guard Keith Alban talks about leaving home in search of a better quality of life.
Photo: Katie Needs
SOCIETY »
Offseason, Germany's largest island Rügen might not top many peoples' list of dream holidays. But as The Local discovered, its quiet beauty makes it worth a trip to escape city bustle.
Photo: DPA
OPINION »
Confused about the hundreds of euros missing from your pay packet? Don't panic - the latest in The Local's JobTalk series looks at German social security payments.
Photo: DPA
LIFESTYLE »
Is that your Handy ringing? This week's Local List takes a look at 12 misused English words in German.
Photo: A Peoples' Picture
LIFESTYLE »
An American is stirring up creative spontaneity in Dresden by leaving disposable cameras around for strangers' use, before collecting them and displaying the results online.
Photo: Private
LIFESTYLE »
After it was revealed that Angela Merkel had a Polish grandfather, Matthew Luxmoore set out to find where she could connect to her roots in Berlin's sizable Polish community.
Photo: DPA
LIFESTYLE »
Why isn't everyone wearing Lederhosen? It's easy for foreigners to stereotype Germany, but this week's Local List is dedicated to debunking common myths.
Photo: Private
OPINION »
The last time Si Liberman saw Berlin, he was thousands of feet in the air on a US bombing raid over Nazi Germany. Nearly seven decades later, he returned to the city.
Photo: DPA
OPINION »
What are the hidden rules of etiquette foreigners need to watch out for while doing business in Germany? The Local's JobTalk series has tips for keeping on the right side of your colleagues.
Photo: DPA
NATIONAL »
All of The Local's 'Germans of the Week' so far
Photo: DPA
NATIONAL »
Every town and city from The Local's My Germany series
Furniture Leasing Corporation
SPONSORED ARTICLE
The furniture-free way to relocate to Germany
Photo: Henrik Trygg/imagebank.sweden.se
SPONSORED ARTICLE
Top five reasons to enrol on an Executive MBA



Latest news from The Local in France

More news from France at thelocal.fr

Latest news from The Local in Norway

More news from Norway at thelocal.no

Latest news from The Local in Sweden

More news from Sweden at thelocal.se

Latest news from The Local in Switzerland

More news from Switzerland at thelocal.ch

See all ads | Join the Marketplace

Jobs in Germany, in English

843 jobs available
610 new jobs this week
25 new jobs today

ALL JOBS »

Blog
Essentials

Dating
Looking for your own blonde bombshell? Or is the strong, silent type more your style? Find a German sweetheart here.

Weather
"After clouds comes clear weather," say the Germans. But what about after that? Find out in The Local's weather section.

Blog
German stuff that's distracting us today.

Noticeboard
Whether you want to buy, sell, hire, announce or promote something, here's the place to do it - completely free of charge.

Discuss
Debate the news, ask for advice, make friends - or just let off steam.

Search News


Register

Register now for:
> Free use of noticeboard
> Special discounts
> Weekly news roundup
> Unlimited use of discuss

REGISTER FOR FREE »

News from the Goethe-Institut
News from Young Germany
  • German first feature film in Cannes
    A directorial debut from Germany makes it to the competition “Un Certain Regard” at the famous film festival on the Côte d’Azur.
  • Traveling Germany: Europa-Park
    Think theme parks:Roller coasters, colorful rides, entertainment, thrills. Think Germany: Europa-Park is the largest amusement park in the country, second in Europe only to Disneyland Paris.
  • Frankfurt – the digital hub
    The Internet hub in Frankfurt am Main is the largest in the world and places Germany in a leading position in the digital world.
  • The European Year of Citizens
    2013 is the European Year of Citizens. They‘re invited to contribute their ideas for the EU, and to discover more about their rights as EU citizens. An example: labour mobility.
  • Neuschwanstein Castle: In Photos
    Neuschwanstein is the most popular tourist attraction in Germany. And for good reason. King Ludwig II's castle looks like it fell out of a book of fairy tales.
News from DeutschlandOnline

Toytown Germany
Germany's English-speaking crowd
Trade CFDs with InterTrader.com
Start trading shares, equities, forex, etc. No commission on equities; Low min. margins. Apply for a CFDs account now!
Little house in Spain
'Charming, old, beamed cottage for holiday let in Jesus Pobre, Alicante, Spain
www.littlehouseinspain.com/
Albatross Insurance
Professional and qualified consultancy on all insurance and finance matters in Germany, Telephone: +49 2163 571 1740, Email: bg@albatross-assurance.com
www.albatross-assurance.com
Hotel reservations in Berlin
Visiting Berlin anytime soon? Book your hotel in Berlin here.
Rental apartments in Berlin
For home-from-home holiday accommodation, search for a Berlin apartment to rent.