In an interview with the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, renowned German actress Iris Berben, 75, elaborated on her decision to never marry, emphasizing her deep value for personal independence. Berben relates her experiences growing up in the 1960s, a time when societal expectations and norms surrounding marriage constrained women's freedom, making the idea of marriage unappealing to her. She recalls, "Marriage was the last thing I could imagine," highlighting a generational desire to break away from traditional roles that limited women’s autonomy.

Berben’s perspective is shaped by her formative years, during which she and her peers sought to distance themselves from the rigid expectations set by their parents and grandparents. Her reflections also touch on the legal limitations women faced during this period, such as needing a husband's permission to work. Such constraints motivated her desire for independence and her choice to remain unmarried. Despite being in a long-term relationship with actor Heiko Kiesow for over twenty years, Berben maintains that traditional marriage is not essential to her identity or happiness, choosing instead to cultivate a partnership based on equality and mutual respect.

The discussion also resonates with broader themes of gender equality and the evolving views on marriage in contemporary society. As cultural norms continue to shift, Berben's story serves as an important reminder of the societal challenges faced by previous generations and the progress made in women’s rights. Her outspoken reflections encourage a dialogue about personal choice in relationships and the significance of independence, particularly for women who may still encounter societal pressures to conform to traditional marriage roles.