The thirteen year old Janni is depressed, because she's still a little behind in her physical development. This leads to bullying remarks from her classmates. One day, a film crew comes to her school to find a candidate for the role of a Prince in a movie. They choose Janni, who they think is a boy. She takes on the role. At school, she tells her classmates she plays a Princess. When the moment of truth approaches she must find the self-confidence to invite the class to the premiere.

11-year-old René loves his Punch and Judy puppets and dreams of becoming a kindergarten teacher - a dream for which he is often ridiculed and even his father shows little understanding. Deeply hurt, he withdraws and finds solace in the children's home, where he plays stories to the young children with his puppets.

Detlev, a single insurance clerk in his 30s, is kept dependent by his loving and caring mother and loses his girlfriend Karin as a result. Grief and an alcoholic chance acquaintance prompt him to place an ad for marriage. Detlev gets caught up in a whirlwind of friendships and love affairs: with the caring widow Karin; the well-to-do hair salon owner Ute Schöbel; the cultural editor Norma Goldbach, the photo reporter Kerstin and the student Andrea Binz. Detlev, who initially proves himself as a friend and advisor, but also as a lover, becomes increasingly self-confident. He is also successful in his work and finally emancipates himself from his mother. Although he loses "his" women in a turbulent odyssey, Detlev has transformed himself from a mama's boy into a thoroughly acceptable man.

During a training flight, the experienced MiG fighter pilot Major Klaus Kornhod almost crashes. An investigation into the incident reveals that Kornhold is no longer allowed to fly MiGs for health reasons. A heavy blow for the passionate aviator, who had been in the service for 15 years. He decides to start retraining as a helicopter pilot.

A men's choir decides to go to Sweden and Germany. Shortly before their departure the choir director, Max, dies and is mourned by the choir and especially by their accompanist Magga, whom he was in love with. In deference to Max's memory, they embark upon a mission of song and companionship, in order to adjust to their loss.