Overview
- The production team for the social documentary Hartz und herzlich confirmed late Tuesday that Norbert, a 63-year-old recurring participant, has died and offered condolences to his partner Manja, family and friends.
- RTLZWEI posted the statement on its Instagram account calling Norbert the long-time partner and fiancé of Manja and ending the message with “Ruhe in Frieden – du wirst uns fehlen.”
- News outlets and the show's audience responded with widespread shock and condolence messages under the Instagram post, where commenters recalled the couple’s bond and public story.
- The initial announcement gave no cause of death and did not list funeral arrangements, so follow-up reporting is focused on obtaining medical details and any family statements.
- Norbert and Manja’s relationship—first recounted on the show after they met in a homeless shelter—had become a long-running, audience‑favorite storyline and the loss will affect the program’s community and future coverage.