Terroristenprüfung

Otto Waalkes, a renowned German comedian and musician, is known for his satirical and humorous take on various societal issues. In his song 'Terroristenprüfung,' Waalkes uses satire to critique and mock the concept of terrorism and the way it is perceived by society. The song is structured as a mock examination for terrorists, where the 'examiner' questions the 'terrorists' about their destructive deeds and then asks them a seemingly unrelated question about the alphabet.

The first 'terrorist' claims to have sawed through high-voltage power lines, causing them to fall. The examiner praises this act and then asks how many letters are in the alphabet, to which the terrorist correctly responds with '26.' The second 'terrorist' boasts about setting department stores on fire. Again, the examiner praises the act and asks the same question about the alphabet. This time, the terrorist answers '24,' justifying the answer by saying that 'C&A' (a well-known department store chain) no longer exists.

Through this absurd and humorous dialogue, Waalkes highlights the irrationality and senselessness of terrorism. The song also pokes fun at the bureaucratic and procedural aspects of how society might deal with such serious issues, reducing them to a farcical 'exam.' The use of humor and satire serves to undermine the gravity of the terrorists' actions, making a broader statement about the futility and absurdity of violence. Waalkes' comedic style, characterized by wordplay and clever punchlines, is evident in this song, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.