Lügenpresse

Lügenpresse is a German term that translates to "lying press." It is a polemical label used to accuse mainstream media of dishonesty, manipulation, or bias, rather than a neutral description of factual accuracy.

Historically, the phrase combines Lügen (lies) with Presse (press) and appears in 19th‑century German political discourse. It gained widespread notoriety during the Nazi era, when propaganda framed newspapers and other outlets as part of a supposed “lying press” to justify censorship, repression of dissent, and the consolidation of power.

In contemporary usage, the term resurfaced in the 2010s among some right‑wing and populist movements in German‑speaking regions, notably in protests and online discourse surrounding immigration and political establishment. It is often deployed to claim bias or misinformation in media reporting. Media scholars and journalists generally treat it as a rhetorical strategy that seeks to delegitimize journalism rather than address specific factual issues, and they caution that it can contribute to distrust and the spread of misinformation.

Scholars emphasize that the term’s historical associations with propaganda and authoritarian control give it strongly negative connotations. Its modern use is controversial and varies by context; while some critics view it as a legitimate critique of media performance, others see it as a weaponized label that short-circuits public deliberation and endangers journalists.

See also: propaganda, media bias, fake news, press freedom.