Diskurs

Diskurs is a term used in German, Dutch, and several other languages to denote discourse, i.e., a structured set of statements, practices, and institutions that shape and regulate thought and action on a topic across society.

In linguistics and discourse studies, discourse refers to language use beyond sentence level—spoken, written, or multimodal formats—that constructs social meaning. Discourse analysis studies how texts and talk produce identities, power relations, and social norms; methods include examining themes, genres, and discursive strategies.

In the social sciences and philosophy, the concept is associated with Michel Foucault and others who describe discourses as systems of statements, knowledges, and practices that define what can be said and who can say it about a topic. Discourses influence institutions, policies, and everyday behavior, and they evolve over time through contestation and change. They help determine which questions are asked, what counts as evidence, and which voices are heard.

In German-language scholarship, Diskurs is widely used in fields such as public discourse, political communication, and media studies. It often refers to public debate as well as to the broader history of ideas and the ways topics are framed by media, scholars, and policy-makers. Common areas of study include migration, gender, climate, and digital culture, with researchers analyzing how discourses shape perceptions, policy choices, and social practice.