Christian Springer
About Christian Springer
Christian Springer is a German political Kabarett artist, author and humanitarian activist born on December 31, 1964 in Munich. He is best known for his Bavarian character 'Fonsi' (full name Alfons Wachtlinger), a grumpy Schloss Neuschwanstein ticket-clerk who became a Bayerischer Rundfunk staple from 1999, and for his sharp political solo programs about media, Bavarian politics and the Middle East. Kabarett is the German tradition of literary political satire that leans on text, character work and analysis rather than punchline-driven US stand-up, and Springer is one of its most outspoken Munich representatives.
Springer trained as a singer in the Bavarian State Opera children's choir and started performing cabaret while still at school. After studying Semitics at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich he co-founded the ensemble 'Fernrohr' and worked for a decade with fellow Kabarettist Helmut Schleich. From 1999 he introduced the character 'Fonsi' in BR radio and television, including weekly slots in the format 'Nix für ungut!' and recurring Oktoberfest commentary, which made him a household name in Bavaria. His Fonsi books include 'Wer mag denn schon ... d'Wiesn?' (2000), 'Wer mag denn schon ... d'Promis?' (2002), 'Fonsi grantelt' (2005) and 'Fonsis boarisches Fuaßboi-Lexikon' (2006). After retiring the Fonsi character in 2014 he opened a new chapter with the solo program 'Oben ohne' (March 2014), now performing on stage as himself. From 2011 his work shifted toward Middle East topics, documented in books such as 'Wo geht's hier nach Arabien?' (2011), 'Nazi, komm raus! Wie ich dem Massenmörder Alois Brunner in Syrien auf der Spur war' (2012) and 'Landesvater, cool down - Kabarettist an Seehofer' (2015). In 2012 he founded the aid organisation Orienthelfer e.V., which supports Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Jordan. His current touring program is 'Leider,' which runs across Germany including the Munich Lustspielhaus into 2026.
Christian Springer is actively touring his solo program 'Leider' through 2025 and 2026, with confirmed dates across Bavaria and Germany including Munich's Lustspielhaus and the Haimhauser Kulturkreis on January 17, 2026, plus a multi-month run with a date on June 23, 2026. He is also a recurring guest at Orienthelfer benefit events including 'Happy Birthday, Orienthelfer' at the Deutsches Theater in Munich.
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Frequently asked questions
Who is Christian Springer?
Christian Springer is a German political Kabarett artist, author and humanitarian activist born on December 31, 1964 in Munich. He is best known for his Bavarian character 'Fonsi' on Bayerischer Rundfunk, his political solo programs and as founder of the aid organisation Orienthelfer e.V.
Who is Fonsi and what role does he play in Christian Springer's work?
Fonsi - full name Alfons Wachtlinger - is Springer's most famous character: a grumpy Bavarian 'Grantler' who works as a cashier at Schloss Neuschwanstein, dressed in a blue uniform and carrying a briefcase. Fonsi debuted on Bayerischer Rundfunk in 1999, became a fixture of the format 'Nix für ungut!' and Oktoberfest broadcasts, and anchored several major solo programs until the character was retired in 2014.
What books has Christian Springer written?
His early books are Fonsi titles in Bavarian dialect, including 'Wer mag denn schon ... d'Wiesn?' (2000), 'Wer mag denn schon ... d'Promis?' (2002), 'Fonsi grantelt' (2005) and 'Fonsis boarisches Fuaßboi-Lexikon' (2006). From 2011 he turned to political non-fiction with 'Wo geht's hier nach Arabien?' (2011), 'Nazi, komm raus! Wie ich dem Massenmörder Alois Brunner in Syrien auf der Spur war' (2012) and 'Landesvater, cool down - Kabarettist an Seehofer' (2015).
What is Orienthelfer e.V.?
Orienthelfer e.V. is a German aid organisation founded by Christian Springer in 2012 to support Syrian refugees and people on the move in Lebanon and Jordan, building on his decades of travel in the Middle East. The organisation provides fast, flexible and sustainable help during the ongoing Syria crisis and is regularly supported through Springer's benefit cabaret events.
Where can I watch Christian Springer?
Springer is on tour through 2025 and 2026 with the solo program 'Leider,' with confirmed dates across Bavaria and Germany including the Munich Lustspielhaus, the Haimhauser Kulturkreis on January 17, 2026 and a further date on June 23, 2026. He also appears at Orienthelfer benefit events at the Deutsches Theater in Munich.
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