Veronica Ferres: With humor against the chaos in the German school system!

Veronica Ferres: With humor against the chaos in the German school system!

On the evening of July 24, 2025 at 8:15 p.m., ZDF viewers can expect a winding rollercoaster ride through the German education system. In the improv comedy “ Other parents – 1st grade "The renowned actress Veronica Ferres takes on the role of school principal Franziska Marx. The story examines the challenges of being a principal in an environment characterized by a shortage of teachers and skilled workers.

The lively, innovative parents, led by the parenting guide author Nina, played by Lavinia Wilson, try to take over the school with a committed parent committee and create a utopia in the classroom. Under the watchful eye of Iniüger, who documents the developments, an interesting scenario unfolds that addresses many current topics in education policy. The school authorities won't be waiting long: the situation will certainly have to be "mixed up" a bit soon.

Insights into the role

Veronica Ferres describes her experiences during filming as a “self-ironic tightrope walk between improvisation, satire and seriousness”. This balance was an exciting challenge for the actress. What was particularly impressive for her was a scene in which she was arrested by real police officers - a moment that really surprised her. Ferres prepares intensively for her role by accompanying real school principals in their everyday lives and experiencing their challenges first hand. She emphasizes that the biggest challenge in improvising was managing one's excitement and feeling confident in the role.

Director Marx dissolves control of the school in exchange for financial support from a start-up entrepreneur. This raises some intriguing ethical questions that are reinforced by the interactions of parents and teachers. Ferres took the change that is needed in the education system as a central theme from the filming. The conversations with the director Lutz Heineking and the insights into the reality of the teachers left a deep impression on her.

Current challenges in the education system

The setting of this comedy reflects the real challenges facing the German education system. According to the current DIPF report, the system is under enormous pressure to adapt, which is exacerbated by the shortage of skilled workers and rapid digital change. Professor Dr. Kai Maaz, Director of the DIPF, says that the integration of refugees also represents a lasting challenge and emphasizes the need for sustainable concepts.

The discussion about the education system makes it clear: despite increasing education spending of 46% in the last ten years, development has not grown in line with demand. Although the number of participants in training is increasing, the number of professionally qualified teachers remains below expectations - with 12% of newly employed teachers being newcomers without classical training. Social inequality in educational participation is another pressing problem that cannot be ignored.

Veronica Ferres points to the rise of “helicopter parents” and emphasizes the urgent need for children’s independence in order to best prepare them for life. She encourages parents to use humor to laugh at themselves and not take everything too seriously. Overall, the improv comedy “Other Parents – 1st Class” ensures that an important topic comes to light in an entertaining way - one that should continue to be discussed after it airs on July 24th.