Top 10 German Comedians Who Are Making Laughter Famous

We all love a good laugh—comedy connects us, lifts our spirits, and adds joy to our everyday lives.

In Germany, a new wave of comedians is doing just that—making millions laugh while challenging norms and shaping modern entertainment.

From stand-up stages to hit TV shows, we’re diving into the top 10 German comedians who are not only hilarious but also making a lasting impact on the comedy scene.

List of Best German Comedians

10: Oliver Pocher

Date of Birth: February 18, 1978, Hanover, West Germany

Best Works:

• Rent a Pocher
• Die Oliver Pocher Show
• Simon Peters in Vollidiot
• Oliver Sturm in Alarm für Cobra 11
• Rüdiger Hack in Hanni & Nanni

Accolades:

• Golden Bravo Otto

Oliver Pocher began his career in radio and DJing and made his television debut in 1998 on Bärbel Schäfer’s show. His approach often involves mocking celebrities, social trends, and media culture, making him one of the beloved German comedians.

Pocher’s sharp wit and fearless humor led to successful shows like Rent a Pocher (2003–2006) and Schmidt & Pocher (2007–2009), where he showcased his ability to entertain through improvisation and bold commentary.

Though sometimes controversial, his humor has kept him relevant in Germany’s entertainment industry for decades.

Beyond television, Pocher has ventured into music, releasing singles such as Ich kann nix dafür (2007) and Kennst du die Stars (2009), along with live performances that have further solidified his place in the German entertainment industry.

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9: Olli Dittrich

Date of Birth: November 20, 1956, Germany

Best Works:

• Goebbels in Stauffenberg
• Dieter Dubinski in Der Wixxer
• Pinocchio in 7 Zwerge – Der Wald ist nicht genug
• Harry Hirsch in Ottos Eleven

Accolades:

• Bambi Award
• Bavarian Film Prize
• Golden Lion

Olli Dittrich started working as a German actor and comedian in the comedy television show RTL Samstag Nacht (1993–1998). His comedic style blends satire, observational humor, and character-driven sketches, making him a standout in German entertainment.

He also collaborated with Wigald Boning and Die Doofen, a comedic music duo, and sold over 1.5 million albums with only two albums.

His improvisational skills shine in Dittsche: Das wirklich wahre Leben, a show based on unscripted interactions. In 2024, he starred in Two To One, which received positive reviews for its satirical take on post-reunification Germany. Dittrich’s versatility has made him one of Germany’s most respected comedic actors.

8: Oliver Kalkofe

Date of Birth: September 12, 1965, Hanover, West Germany

Best Works:

• Chief Inspector Even Longer / Woman in dungeon in Der Wixxer
• Dr. Adam in Gut zu Vögeln

Accolades:

• Grimme Award
• German Comedy Award

Oliver Kalkofe is known for his sharp satire and media criticism, blending parody and observational humor to target television shows and media culture. His career began in 1990 when he joined Frühstyxradio, a comedy show on the commercial radio station FFN.

Kalkofe gained widespread fame with his German TV show Kalkofes Mattscheibe, and his influence extends to film, particularly with the parody Der WiXXer (2004), where he humorously deconstructs German crime classics.

He also worked as a voice actor, dubbing Tom Servo in the German version of Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie. His satirical approach to media has firmly established him as a prominent voice in German entertainment.

7. Michael “Bully” Herbig

Date of Birth: April 29, 1968, Munich, Germany

Best Works:

• Abahachi/Winnetouch/Grey Star in Der Schuh des Manitu
• Mr. Spuck / (Brigitte Spuck) in (T)Raumschiff Surprise – Periode 1

Accolades:

• Bavarian Film Award

Michael “Bully” Herbig revolutionized German comedy with his sharp parodies and creative storytelling. His work often involved spoofs of classic genres, blending satire with slapstick humor.

He gained fame in the comedy show Bullyparade, showcasing his talent for sketch comedy, while his films like Der Schuh des Manitu (2001) and (T)Raumschiff Surprise – Periode 1 (2004), further cemented his position in the entertainment industry.

In 2000, he founded his own production company, Herbx Film, to produce his films. His comedic style, rooted in exaggeration and playful absurdity, made him a defining figure in German entertainment.

In 2025, he directed and produced the sequel to his 2001 hit Der Schuh des Manitu, demonstrating his capability as a director, producer, and performer.

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6: Mike Krüger

Date of Birth: December 14, 1951, Ulm, West Germany

Best Works:

• Mike Bachstein in Die Supernasen
• Norbert Koschler in Seitenstechen
• Mike Juing und Mikes Erbtante in Geld oder Leber!

Accolades:

• Bambi Award
• Golden Lion
• Till Eulenspiegel Satire Prize
• Honorary Award of the German Comedy Prize

Mike Krüger became a household name in Germany’s comedy scene with his unique mix of musical humor and witty storytelling. He started in the mid-1970s with his humorous songs, gaining massive popularity with the solo program Mein Gott, Walter. His blend of satire and slapstick resonated with audiences, making him a top entertainer on television and film.

He collaborated with Thomas Gottschalk and created some of the biggest German comedy hits of the 1980s. As a TV host, Krüger’s quick wit and engaging presence made shows like 7 Days – 7 Heads and Four Against Willi successful.

His comedy was lighthearted yet sharp, using music and observational humor to connect with viewers. Over the decades, Krüger’s work left a lasting impact on German comedy, earning him various accolades and cementing his legacy as one of the most famous German comedians.

5: Anke Engelke

Date of Birth: December 21, 1965, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Best Works:

• Christine in Bundle of Joy
• Veronica Rell in Operation Dance Sensation
• Ina in Just Get Married!
• Mila’s mother in Freche Mädchen
• Jessica Höfel in Frau Müller muss weg!

Accolades:

• Bambi Award
• Bavarian TV Award
• German Television Award
• Grimme Award
• German Comedy Award

Anke Engelke is a celebrated German comedian known for her sharp wit, versatile acting, and improvisational talents. Her blend of satire, sketch humor, and character-driven performances has made her a standout in German entertainment.

Engelke began her career in children’s television, hosting Pfiff and other shows between 1979 and 1986, where she showcased her engaging presence. She later gained national recognition with Die Wochenshow, where her comedic timing and character portrayals earned her widespread acclaim.

Her iconic solo show, Ladykracher (2002–2013), cemented Engelke’s position as one of Germany’s top comedians. The show displayed her ability to embody a wide range of roles, from quirky characters to social parodies.

In addition to her television work, Engelke’s talents extend to voice acting, where she is known as the German voice of Marge Simpson in The Simpsons. Engelke’s humor often touches on cultural and social themes, adding depth and relevance to her comedic style.

4: Esther Schweins

Date of Birth: April 18, 1970, Oberhausen, Germany

Best Works:

• RTL Samstag Nacht
• Sonja Sonne in The Superwife
• Sina Lehmann in The Calling Game
• Christa Lorbeer in Mara and the Firebringer

Accolades:

• Bayerischer Fernsehpreis
• Bambi Award
• Bavarian TV Award

Esther Schweins became a household name through her standout role in RTL Samstag Nacht, the German comedy show that defined 90s television. Known for her satirical and observational humor, Schweins quickly became one of Germany’s top comedians.

Her witty performances earned her the Bayerischer Fernsehpreis Award, further cementing her status in German television. In addition to acting, Schweins showcased her versatility as a writer, contributing to various projects in both comedy and other genres.

While she has worked across multiple formats, her comedic roles remain her most iconic. She also gained international recognition for voicing Princess Fiona in the German version of Shrek, adding another layer to her impressive career in comedic entertainment.

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3: Thomas Hermanns

Date of Birth: March 5, 1963, Bochum, West Germany

Best Works:

• Thomas in Caveman
• Quatsch Comedy Club
• Zapped
• Back to Life
• Paranoid

Accolades:

• German Comedy Award
• Goldene Kamera

Thomas Hermanns is a pioneering figure in German comedy, known for his sharp wit and innovative approach. He began his career with Quatsch Comedy Club in 1992, blending satire, observational humor, and storytelling.

Hermanns has also written and produced notable shows like Zapped (1998), Back to Life (2000), and Paranoid (2004), collaborating with comedians such as Michael Mittermeier and Cora Frost.

In 2024, he co-created the multilingual musical Berlin Non-Stop, which debuted at the Pfefferberg Theater. The show, blending English, German, and Spanish, explores Berlin’s vibrant nightlife.

Beyond comedy, Hermanns advocates for LGBT representation in entertainment.

2: Hella von Sinnen

Date of Birth: February 2, 1959, Gummersbach, West Germany

Best Works:

• Detective Sally in Killer Condom
• Bertha in Venus and Mars
• Blumenverkäuferin in Crazy About Paris

Accolades:

• Bambi Award
• German Comedy Award
• German Television Award

Hella von Sinnen is a legendary German comedian known for her bold and energetic comedy, blending satire and improvisation. She gained widespread recognition through the TV show Genial Daneben, where her quick wit and humor stood out.

Her career also spans German cinema, with memorable roles like Detective Sally in Killer Condom and Bertha in Venus and Mars. In 2024, she returned as a regular panelist on the comedy quiz show Genial Daneben, alongside Hugo Egon Balder and Wigald Boning.

Beyond entertainment, Hella is a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV awareness, using her platform to support important causes.

With her distinctive presence and fearless humor, Hella von Sinnen remains a defining figure in German comedy.

1: Barbara Schöneberger

Date of Birth: March 5, 1974, Munich, West Germany

Best Works:

• Die Schöneberger Show
• Blondes Gift

Accolades:

• German Television Award
• Golden Hen Award

Barbara Schöneberger is a powerhouse in the world of German comedy and television. Known for her sharp wit, fearless humor, and magnetic presence, she has become one of the most recognizable faces in German entertainment.

Schöneberger first rose to fame with her hilarious performances in German comedy shows like Die Schöneberger Show and Blondes Gift. Her unique blend of satire, self-irony, and observational humor sets her apart from other German comedians, making her a fan favorite for years.

Beyond television, she expanded her talents into music and radio. In 2007, she released her debut studio album Jetzt singt sie auch noch!—proving she’s more than just a funny face. She also launched her own 24-hour radio station, Barba Radio, where her signature humor and bold personality continue to shine.

As a multi-talented German comedian, a famous German actress, and TV host, Barbara Schöneberger has become a staple in Germany’s entertainment industry. With multiple awards and decades of influence, she remains one of the top comedians in Germany today.

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