Overview
- The February 16 episode reopened the season after a winter break and drew about 2.14 million viewers at 20:15, one of the show’s weakest totals in 15 years.
- Contestant Michelle Janiak misread Günther Jauch’s absent‑minded humming as a cue, chose the wrong option on the €4,000 question, and fell to €500 despite the host’s late warning.
- Jauch appeared visibly remorseful over the misunderstanding, while Janiak stayed composed and voiced no blame, reflecting coverage that framed the moment as awkward rather than scandalous.
- In a separate highlight, Jauch and contestant Dennis Marr performed the German national anthem in the studio during the resolution of a question.
- Marr, a 41‑year‑old singer and voice teacher from Stuttgart, finished with €32,000 after opting not to risk the €64,000 question about the Sarplaninac, identified on the show as a shepherd dog.