In a surprising turn of events during the 2023 '3-Million-Euro-Woche' of the popular German quiz show 'Wer wird Millionär?', host Günther Jauch inadvertently provided a contestant with a crucial hint that led her to win 16,000 euros. This incident has sparked discussions about the dynamics of the show and the role of its charismatic host.
The question that led to this unexpected assistance was: "Was ist in Eduard Mörikes Frühlingsgedicht ‚Er ist’s‘ von fernzuhören?" The answer choices included 'Sanfte Klaviermusik', 'Heftiger Paukenschlag', 'Leiser Harfenton', and 'Zehnminütiges Gitarrensolo'. Jauch, unable to contain himself, recited the entire poem after reading the question, allowing the contestant to eliminate three of the four options. "Oh, then it must be the Harfenton," she confidently declared, drawing on the rhyme scheme of the poem. Her deduction proved correct, allowing her to secure the 16,000 euros.
This incident was not the only notable moment from the '3-Million-Euro-Woche'. In a recent special episode, RTL faced its own blunder when a question posed to a contestant had no correct answer. The question asked: "Wen googelten die Deutschen in der Kategorie 'Persönlichkeiten international' 2023 noch häufiger als US-Popstar Taylor Swift?" The answer choices were Margot Robbie, Queen Camilla, Elon Musk, and Harry Kane. However, the correct answer was Taylor Swift, who was not listed as an option. RTL acknowledged the error and invited the contestant back for another chance in a future episode.
Günther Jauch, a beloved figure in German television, has been a staple of 'Wer wird Millionär?' since its inception. His engaging style often leads to memorable moments, both good and bad. Barbara Schöneberger, a fellow television personality, recently shared insights into Jauch's formal demeanor on set. She revealed that he is addressed with the formal 'Sie' by most people, which she attributes to his status as an institution in German television. Schöneberger and Jauch began using the informal 'du' with each other only in 2023 during the 'NDR Talk Show', a significant shift in their relationship.
Jauch's preference for formality has been noted by many, with Schöneberger explaining, "Günther Jauch is an institution somehow. One wouldn’t think to address him informally. Everyone addresses him formally, even those who have worked with him for a long time." This sentiment reflects the respect and admiration that Jauch commands in the industry.
In another episode of 'Wer wird Millionär?', a contestant from the Harz region, Ingo Kugenbuch, faced a devastating setback. On April 24, 2025, Kugenbuch reached the 20,000 euro question, which asked, "Welche Darstellerin hat 2025 mit dem Golden Globe endlich ihren ersten großen Schauspielpreis gewonnen?" The options were Demi Moore, Pamela Anderson, Helen Hunt, and Sandra Bullock. Despite his initial confidence, Kugenbuch ultimately relied on his phone-a-friend joker and called his daughter for advice. When she confirmed that she thought Pamela Anderson had won, he locked in that answer, only to discover later that the correct response was Demi Moore.
Kugenbuch's misstep cost him a significant amount of money, as he fell from a potential 25,000 euros to just 6,000 euros. "It’s a shame, but that’s the game," he remarked afterward, still grateful for the bonus of 5,000 euros that Jauch had promised him earlier in the game.
These incidents highlight the unpredictable nature of 'Wer wird Millionär?' and the unique relationship between Jauch and his contestants. His charismatic presence and occasional slip-ups create an engaging atmosphere that keeps viewers tuning in week after week.
As the show continues to captivate audiences, it remains to be seen what surprises and blunders await in future episodes. With the stakes higher than ever during the '3-Million-Euro-Woche', contestants are sure to feel the pressure, and Jauch's role as both host and inadvertent hint-giver will likely remain a topic of discussion.
In a world where quiz shows often follow a predictable format, 'Wer wird Millionär?' stands out for its blend of excitement, drama, and the occasional error that can change the course of a contestant's fate. As viewers look forward to more thrilling moments, Jauch's ability to engage with contestants while navigating the complexities of the game will continue to be a key factor in the show's enduring popularity.
