Die Sendung mit der Maus (1971)

Germany's most beloved children's show, entertaining and educating kids and adults every Sunday since 1971.

Die Sendung mit der Maus - Series Information

  • Original Title: Die Sendung mit der Maus
  • First Air Year: 1971
  • Last Air Year: 2026
  • Created by: Siegfried Mohrhof, Dieter Saldecki et al.
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Animation, Family, Comedy
  • Content Rating (US): NR
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
  • Number of Seasons: 56
  • Number of Episodes: 509
  • Status: Returning Series
  • Original Language: German
  • Spoken Languages: German
  • First Air Date: March 7, 1971 (United States - NR), March 7, 1971 (Germany - 0), March 7, 1971 (Italy - T), March 7, 1971 (Spain - 7)
  • Networks: Das Erste
  • Alternative Titles: Die Maus (DE)
  • Production Companies: WDR, Delta TV
  • Production Countries: Germany

Die Sendung mit der Maus - Plot

The children's show has been a fixed Sunday morning ritual in German living rooms since 1971. Not only children, but also many adults sit in front of the television every week when the clever orange mouse, his blue elephant buddy and the yellow duck lead the way with short, funny cartoon clips between the "funny and factual stories".

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Die Sendung mit der Maus - Cast & Crew

Creator(s)

  • Siegfried Mohrhof
  • Dieter Saldecki
  • Gert K. Müntefering
  • Monika Paetow
  • Armin Maiwald

Main Cast

  • Armin Maiwald
  • Christoph Biemann
  • Ralph Caspers
  • Johannes Büchs
  • André Gatzke
  • Siham El-Maimouni
  • Clarissa Corrêa da Silva
  • Jana Forkel
  • Malin Büttner
  • Laura Kampf

Die Sendung mit der Maus - FAQs

How long has Die Sendung mit der Maus been on air?

Die Sendung mit der Maus first aired on March 7, 1971, making it one of the longest-running children's television programmes in the world. Over five decades later, the show continues to broadcast new episodes every Sunday morning on Das Erste, a remarkable testament to its enduring appeal across generations.

What makes Die Sendung mit der Maus unique among children's shows?

Unlike most children's programmes, Die Sendung mit der Maus is genuinely designed for all ages. Its signature blend of short animated comedy sketches and real-world educational segments — the famous "Sachgeschichten" — explains everyday phenomena so clearly and engagingly that adults tune in just as eagerly as children every Sunday morning.

Who are the iconic characters in Die Sendung mit der Maus?

The show's heart is the cheerful orange Mouse, joined by her loyal blue Elephant and the mischievous yellow Duck. These wordless animated characters communicate entirely through physical comedy and expressive gestures, making them universally beloved and instantly recognisable across Germany and beyond for more than fifty years.

Where can you watch Die Sendung mit der Maus?

Die Sendung mit der Maus airs on Das Erste in Germany every Sunday morning. Streaming availability varies by region, so check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options in your country, including any on-demand platforms currently carrying the series.

Is Die Sendung mit der Maus worth watching for adults?

Absolutely. The show's educational segments are celebrated for explaining complex topics — from how a zip works to how chocolate is made — with disarming simplicity and warmth. Many German adults grew up with the Mouse and still watch fondly today, making it a rare piece of television that genuinely bridges generations.

Has Die Sendung mit der Maus won any major awards?

Over its extraordinary run, Die Sendung mit der Maus has received numerous honours, including the prestigious Grimme-Preis, Germany's most respected television award. It has also been recognised with the Goldene Kamera and various international children's media accolades, cementing its status as a landmark of quality public broadcasting.

Who are the presenters of Die Sendung mit der Maus?

The show features a rotating team of beloved presenters, including long-serving Armin Maiwald and Christoph Biemann, alongside Ralph Caspers, André Gatzke, Siham El-Maimouni, and several others. Each brings their own personality to the live-action segments, helping to keep the format fresh across its many decades on air.

What are some shows similar to Die Sendung mit der Maus?

If you enjoy Die Sendung mit der Maus, you might also like Mr. Bean: The Animated Series for its wordless physical comedy, Blaze and the Monster Machines for its educational approach to young audiences, or classic family animation such as The Looney Tunes Show and The Tom and Jerry Show for timeless cartoon humour.

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