Mem-Representation of Current Socio-Political Discourse in Germany: Constant and Variable Characteristics

Abstract

This study examines internet memes from Germany between 2021 and 2025, sourced from German-speaking segments of platforms such as Reddit, kekememes, and 9gag. The analysis focuses on genetic, genre-specific, structural, audience-oriented, and semantic characteristics. A thematic classification of memes based on their objects and subjects of critique, along with an assessment of the thematic groups' content and user interaction responses, has enabled a characterization of the degree of politicization on these platforms. The findings indicate a growing trend toward a decreased interest in political memes among audiences. Additionally, a tendency towards the complexity of memes through genre hybridization has been identified. A prominent meme trend for 2025 is highlighted: the parodic meme “Set.” Constant features of reality representation in contemporary meme culture in Germany include the predominance of the assimilation of foreign memes, replication of visual elements, and the relationship of coordinationcomplementarity between visual and verbal components. The analysis reveals widespread audience engagement and reliance on current precedent phenomena that predominantly convey negative meanings. The dominance of advice memes, macros, comics, comparison memes, and memes with minimal background roles is noted. Furthermore, the study identifies a frequent generation of meaning through the identification of critique objects with recognizable archetypes of negative qualities, as well as the creation of humor based on expressive character facial expressions and non-verbal support for verbal components.