Actor Hendrik Duryn (58, "Der Lehrer", "Dünentod - Ein Nordsee-Krimi") cannot understand the sweeping criticism of so-called Generation Z. "This whole debate about the supposedly demotivated Generation Snowflake and the blanket criticism of Generation Z honestly makes me angry. I always ask myself about the underlying reason for such discussions: why do some people have to constantly make others feel worse?" the 58-year-old told the German Press Agency. He believes that it is mostly about making themselves look better - by claiming that today's youth can no longer do anything. "Would these critics tell their own children every damn day how lazy and incapable they supposedly are? To me, anyone who does this should be punished for systematically destroying the talents and core of young people," said Duryn. "I fear that many of these complainers have themselves been treated badly by their bosses and are now simply passing this frustration downwards." The term "Generation Snowflake" refers to a derogatory term for young people who are perceived to be particularly sensitive. Generation Z is defined as those born between 1997 and 2007. Hendrik Duryn regularly interacts with young people - partly because he plays a teacher in the RTL series "Der Lehrer" who cares deeply about the concerns of his pupils. "He gives them the opportunity to develop, which for me is the very definition of love," says Duryn about the role of teacher Stefan Vollmer. "Love doesn't mean possession, but giving a person all the platforms and support they need." After a long break, the series is back on screen. From Thursday (May 28, 8.15 pm), new episodes can be seen on RTL and in advance on the streaming platform RTL+. Copyright 2026, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reservedReturning with "The Teacher"
