In the world of Overwatch, two prominent heroes primarily speak German, reflecting their origins and contributing to the game's diverse linguistic landscape: Reinhardt Wilhelm and Mercy (Dr. Angela Ziegler). Both characters frequently use German phrases and expressions throughout their gameplay and cinematic appearances, adding depth to their personas.
German-Speaking Heroes in Overwatch
The inclusion of German dialogue helps to flesh out the backstories and personalities of these heroes, making them more authentic to their roots.
Reinhardt Wilhelm
Reinhardt is a chivalrous German crusader and a founding member of the original Overwatch team. His personality is deeply rooted in German culture, and he often exclaims battle cries or speaks comforting words in his native tongue.
- Origin: Stuttgart, Germany
- Role: Tank
- Examples of German phrases:
- "Für die Gerechtigkeit!" (For justice!)
- "Ich bin euer Schild!" (I am your shield!)
- "Hammer down!" (His Ultimate ability, accompanied by German voice lines for opponents)
- "Ehre und Glorie!" (Honor and Glory!)
Reinhardt's voice actor, Darin De Paul, delivers his lines with a booming, hearty German accent, making his German phrases instantly recognizable to players.
Mercy (Dr. Angela Ziegler)
Mercy is a brilliant Swiss scientist and a guardian angel on the battlefield, known for her healing abilities. While Switzerland has multiple official languages, including German, French, and Italian, Mercy primarily speaks English and German in the game, reflecting her German-Swiss heritage.
- Origin: Zürich, Switzerland
- Role: Support
- Voice Actress: Mercy's voice actress is Lucie Pohl, who speaks both English and German for the character, providing authentic pronunciation for her German lines.
- Examples of German phrases:
- "Helden sterben nicht!" (Heroes never die!) - Her iconic Ultimate line.
- "Wunderbar!" (Wonderful!)
- "Das ist ja reizend." (That's charming.)
- "Immer bereit." (Always ready.)
Mercy's use of German often comes across as compassionate or encouraging, fitting her role as a healer and protector.
Summary of German Speakers
To quickly identify the heroes who speak German in Overwatch, refer to the table below:
| Hero Name | Origin | Role | Primary Languages Spoken in-game | Key German Phrases/Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reinhardt | Stuttgart, Germany | Tank | German, English | Numerous battle cries, expressions of honor and duty, and ultimate ability lines. |
| Mercy | Zürich, Switzerland | Support | German, English | Iconic ultimate line, supportive phrases, and expressions of surprise or encouragement. |
These two heroes are the most prominent examples of German speakers in the Overwatch roster, enriching the game's narrative and character diversity with their native tongues.
