In 1930s Berlin, Dr. Jakob Fabian, who works by day in advertising for a cigarette company and by night wanders the streets of the city, falls in love with an actress. As her career begins to blossom, prospects for his future begin to wane.
With their two grown children gone, Anja and Michael Wagner move into their own apartment in the city center. Both are looking forward to their newfound freedom. But when Niklas, their youngest child, is kicked out of his roommate's apartment, he decides to move in with them and his girlfriend.