Mainzelmännchen figurines catalogue

38 items

Everything you need to know about Mainzelmännchen. Where they come from and who made them. More

The Mainzelmännchen are six cartoon characters that the German broadcaster ZDF broadcasts between television commercials. The Mainzelmännchen wear a Phrygian cap and were invented by Wolf Gerlach (1928-2012). Their name is composed of Germany's broadcasting city Mainz and the Heinzelmännchen, a kind of house spirits from Cologne sagas.

On April 1, 1963, the Mainzelmännchen were shown for the first time (in black and white). They were broadcast in color from 1967 and minor changes were made in 1980 and 1990.

About 40,000 films have already been made and about 500 are added every year. Each video lasts about 3 seconds. The six figures are called Anton, Berti, Conni, Det, Edi and Fritzchen. Not entirely coincidentally, the first letters of their names are also the first six letters of the alphabet.

At the end of 2003 the Mainzelmännchen were completely renewed and according to many they are now drawn in a Manga-like style. In fact, they are now modern cell-shaded animations. This has led to many protests and signature campaigns on the internet to get the old Mainzelmännchen back on the tube.

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Oldest item

Mainzelmännchen Goebel Series 2 (1967)