“Do Jeckich, isch kann och net schwemme, ävver deshalb schreie isch endoch net esu.” That’s what Tünnes might say. Tünnes und Schäl aren’t real people. But here in Cologne, they are immortalized as life-size bronze statues.
These statues stand proudly in front of Great St. Martin’s Church in Cologne’s Old Town. They embody the spirit of Cologne. The statues offer tangible proof that the human spirit can take physical form.
Notice Tünnes’ nose. See how it shines? Many hands have rubbed it for luck. Tünnes und Schäl are legendary figures from Cologne’s Hänneschen puppet theater. Johann Christoph Winters founded the theater. He created Tünnes in 1803. Schäl joined him in 1850.
Rumor says Schäl was created to rival a puppet theater on the “wrong side” of the Rhine. Tünnes is a Rhineland version of Antonius. He is a naïve country bumpkin with a big nose and a peaceful soul. Schäl is thin and always wears a tailcoat. He is a sly rascal. He thinks he is smarter than Tünnes, but he isn’t.
The word “schäl” has multiple meanings in the local dialect. It refers to Schäl’s squint. It also means “bad” or “wrong” behavior. He is from the Schäl Sick the “wrong side” of the Rhine.
Tünnes and Schäl represent Cologne characteristics. Tünnes embodies the easy-going Cologne native. He is lovable and sometimes foolish. Schäl shows the cunning, profit-oriented side of Cologne’s residents.
For 40 years, brothers Gerd and Karl Jansen portrayed Tünnes and Schäl during Carnival. Tünnes can be seen on Johann Christoph Winters’ memorial stone in Melaten Cemetery. You can also spot Tünnes und Schäl in Cologne’s cathedral. Look at the right side of the pointed arch of the side portal facing the main train station.
Tünnes always wants one more Kölsch beer. Schäl finds Tünnes sad at a bar. Tünnes says, “All my life, I’ve only drunk bubble water. Now they say I’ve got water on my legs.” Bubble water means alcohol in Cologne.
The Tünnes und Schäl monument stands in front of the historic Hänneschen-Theater. It was unveiled in 1899. Ewald Matare created the bronze statue. He was a famous German artist. The figures stand on a millstone. This symbolizes their rural roots.
Visit the Hänneschen-Theater to see Tünnes und Schäl’s antics. The theater is one of Germany’s oldest puppet theaters. Modern shows incorporate new themes alongside classic stories. This keeps Cologne’s heritage alive.
Tünnes und Schäl offer entertainment. They also provide a unique look into local culture and history. They are must-see figures when touring Cologne. So, remember Tünnes’s joke. Embrace the Kölsch spirit. Enjoy the playful nature of these Cologne icons.