Sesamstrasse uses engaging live action, animation, and colourful characters in an effort to educate young children in Germany - through an entertaining medium. Intended to be both instructive and entertaining, the televised programme airs once per week. The series' original material is the result of ongoing collaborations between Sesame Workshop, local education and early-childhood professionals, and content specialists.

Quirky, animated Muppet characters are used to mirror German children's own experiences, while at the same time highlighting topics such as diversity and valuing differences. For example, Feli Filu is a 4-year-old blue female monster who is well-adjusted, self-confident, and very uninhibited. She acts as a reporter interviewing celebrities and children about simple things (e.g., How do you tie your shoe?). In contrast, Rumpel is an ageless grouch and cousin of Sesame Street's Oscar. Rumpel acts like a rebellious child who enjoys being contrary (he only exhibits his soft side to his caterpillar Gustav). Rumpel is very proud of his roots; his relationship to his grouch family is very important to him.

In concert with the television series, Sesame Workshop is in the process of creating off-air educational initiatives, such as hands-on outreach materials, for Sesamstrasse. One such initiative already in place is Sesamstrasse Live, a 90-minute show designed to engage children and their parents. The tour has visited various cities throughout Germany, and features characters such as Sina and Elmo, who (in the 2004 show, "Sei Mein Freund!") create a club for monsters. Through "giant-large portion fun", laughing, and dancing, the children who are present learn about the topic of friendship and tolerance.

Early Childhood Development, Education.

Sesamstrasse has reached approximately 34 million television households and 30 million children since 1973.