The SWR documentary “Buying Sex” takes a deep look into the sex industry in Germany, where sex work is legal but increasingly controversial. While political groups like the CDU/CSU in the Bundestag push for a ban on paid sex and brothels, this film explores the real lives of those involved in the business. It reveals a world that is often hidden, with both the challenges and choices of sex workers and brothel owners coming into sharp focus.
Inside a German brothel
A key figure in the documentary is Aurel Johannes Marx, who has been running brothels for more than 20 years. One of his establishments is in the southern part of Berlin, where sex workers rent rooms but work for themselves. The prices are fixed: 80 euros for 30 minutes and 150 euros for an hour, from which Marx takes a share—40 euros for half an hour and 70 euros for an hour.
However, as Marx explains, many clients don’t just want the standard services like oral or vaginal sex with a condom; they often want more. For these extra services, the women charge additional fees, which can go up to 60 euros. This shows how business is done in the brothel, where nearly every encounter involves negotiations over prices and services.
Marx insists that his brothel does not employ forced sex workers and that all women there choose to be in the business.
The brothel maintains a system of open communication among the workers to ensure that everyone is there by choice and not being forced. The sex workers regularly talk to each other and stay connected, which helps them quickly identify if anyone is under the control of a pimp or working against their will. This approach allows the brothel to act swiftly if such situations arise, ensuring a safer environment for those involved.
One of the most revealing parts of the film is how clients choose the women they want to pay for sex. The documentary shows a live feed from inside the brothel, where a client sits in a room and watches the women, who are lightly dressed, pass by one by one. Each woman briefly introduces herself, and then the client tells the housekeeper, Maria, who he wants to be with. Reporter Lisa Altmeier describes this process, highlighting the role of 71-year-old Maria, who manages the interactions.
Voices of the sex workers
The documentary also gives a voice to the sex workers, sharing their personal stories and reasons for being in the industry. Tamara, one of the 30,600 registered prostitutes in Germany, talks about her journey into sex work. She initially tried to make money on OnlyFans by selling nude photos, but it wasn’t profitable enough. She then decided to work as a prostitute, planning to leave the business once she has saved enough money and hopes to start a family someday.
Not everyone thinks leaving sex work is a realistic option. Housekeeper Maria is doubtful, expressing a belief that most sex workers remain in the industry indefinitely. Her blunt perspective highlights the harsh realities and the stigma that sex workers often encounter, even from people within their own circles.
The film provides a straightforward portrayal of what takes place during a paid sex encounter, detailing Tamara’s routine with her clients. She begins by discussing their preferences and requests, takes the payment, and then checks if the client wants to shower or at least wash their hands, which she finds essential. Each guest receives a clean sheet that covers the pillows and other surfaces to ensure hygiene, and some music is played to set the atmosphere before they begin.
On profitable nights, Tamara may see up to six clients, allowing her to earn as much as 700 euros. However, she points out that the reality of sex work often differs from common perceptions. The encounters are typically brief; many clients book an hour but finish within eight minutes. Some clients are under the influence of drugs, which sometimes results in the encounter not happening at all. To protect herself emotionally during her work, Tamara focuses on her clients’ bodies rather than making eye contact with them.
The legal sex scene in Austria
Austria also has a well-regulated sex scene, where you can always find new jobs at the best high-class sex clubs. However, while the above-mentioned news was about a Laufhaus, there are other types of brothels in the city that are better for new girls entering the industry. Read our article about the types of brothels to understand the pros and cons of each type: