Friedrich tells the story of a Jewish boy, Friedrich Schneider and his Christian friend, the unnamed narrator, from 1925 until 1942. The story follows them, as they grow up among the Nazis, who relentlessly restrict the rights of Jews. Friedrich ultimately dies in an Allied bombing attack, having been turned away from an air raid shelter.

Two boys, one Christian and one Jewish, are born within a week of one another to parents who rent apartments in a three-floor house. They are friendly, but not close, until Frau Schneider needs a babysitter, and the two boys play together for the first time. Herr Schneider works for the post office, but the narrator's father is out of work and dependent on his anti-Jewish father-in-law, who does not want his grandson to play with Friedrich, the Jew. The neighbors continue to rely on one another. One Friday afternoon, Frau Schneider...