Thank you Germany: Part 043: Dry humour in a class of its own

Germany also offers a special programme in the field of humour. From Loriot to Bully Herbig, from cabaret to comedians, the Germans offer a dry sense of humour that makes for real laughs. It's not uncommon for people to laugh at themselves. Many humorous interludes and television shows observe German idiosyncrasies very closely and poke fun at them.

Germans are not too important to be able to laugh at themselves. In many contributions there are also regional animosities against certain federal states in particular or the character traits of Germans in general. Certain professional groups such as teachers or politicians are also often parodied. Some comedians have authentic parodies of chancellors in their programmes, with which they make millions of people laugh. Other comedians make fun of current political events. The German comedy scene therefore has a special news value as well as a special entertainment value. It not only ensures that people are well entertained. German comedy also acts as a critique of the political situation.

Programmes such as the Heute-Show and cabaret programmes refer directly to political developments and the public debate and sometimes criticise them on a massive scale. This is a good thing, as it revitalises the country's political debate culture. Not every country can count on such witty comedy as Germany. The country can be proud of that. Anyone who is entertained by the right comedy in Germany is also offered a commentary on current political events. There is no censorship of such programmes. It would also be unthinkable in Germany. As long as there is no incitement against other people, Kurt Tucholsky's motto applies in Germany: "Satire can do anything!" This is not always the case in other countries. Satire therefore makes good use of its possibilities in Germany.

There is hardly an important politician in Germany who has not been the subject of a parody or satire. This type of entertainment is simply part of the country's political life. It is entertaining and at the same time strengthens the political awareness of the people who live in this country. These are both important advantages. The freedom of art and culture in the country is something to be proud of.

Germany has a cultural landscape that goes far beyond the possibilities of many other countries in the world. This makes for special entertainment every evening. Many people enjoy listening to and watching programmes of this kind and enjoy a pleasant evening.