While the bombs are falling outside in 1943, Hermann and Maria Braun say "I do". A few hours later, Hermann has to return to the front, Maria stays behind with her mother, hoping and convinced that her husband will return.
After the end of the war, she starts working in a bar, where she falls in love with the GI Bill. When Hermann appears at the door one evening, an argument ensues in which Maria kills Bill. In court, Hermann takes the blame for the death of the US soldier and is sentenced to several years in prison. Maria wants to build a future for Hermann and herself. She takes her life into her own hands, works in industrialist Oswald's company - and is successful. In 1954, her husband is released from prison, Germany wins the soccer World Cup, but there is no happy ending for Hermann and Maria...