rechtssteil

Rechtssteil is a German adjective used in political discourse to describe a pronounced tilt toward right‑wing positions. It typically refers to a strong, sometimes abrupt shift away from a baseline or mainstream centrist stance. The term is not a formal technical category in most political science literature, but appears in journalism, opinion surveys, and sociological analysis when discussing party platforms, movements, or public debate.

In usage, something or someone described as rechtssteil may advocate stricter immigration controls, nationalist symbolism, and a strong law-and-order or traditional values orientation. It can apply to individuals, political parties, or media environments where right‑wing voices dominate or significantly influence discourse. The connotation can be neutral descriptive in some contexts, but often carries a critical or evaluative undertone depending on the speaker and the surrounding debate.

The term contrasts with less strongly right‑leaning descriptors such as rechtsorientiert or rechtslastig, and with terms for far‑right extremism such as rechtsextrem. Rechtssteil emphasizes the steepness of the tilt rather than a mild preference. Etymologically it combines rechts (right) and steil (steep), signaling a sharp rightward inclination.

Usage note: Rechtssteil is more common in journalistic and analytical contexts than as a formal political science label, and its evaluative tone can vary with the speaker and the political climate.