From 2002 to 2010 she starred in the Hessischer Rundfunk version of the popular television crime series Tatort as police inspector Charlotte Sänger.

She also gained international prominence as an actor in the German films Bandits (1997) and Das Experiment (2001).

She made her breakthrough as one of the best-known German actresses with her role as Chief Inspector Charlotte Sänger on the Tatort series from 2002 to 2010.

Moreover, she acted in successful movies such as Bandits, Late Show [de], Leo & Claire and Das Experiment.

Sawatzki read for audio books, such as for the series TV-Kommissare lesen Krimis the story Die Maus in der Ecke and the novel Glennkill.