Stylistic Devices of Nazi Propaganda: A Functional Analysis of Third Reich Slogans

The article presents a functional analysis of the stylistic features of propaganda slogans of the Third Reich, displayed on posters from the German Propaganda Archive of Posters (Calvin University). The study aims at identifying linguistic mechanisms of influence, in particular imperatives, nominalizations, repetitions, and syntactic constructions that shaped collective identity and reinforced the ideological message of Nazi propaganda. A set of methods was used for the analysis: linguistic-stylistic, pragmatic, contextual, and discourse analysis. This approach made it possible to reveal how grammatical means created emotional tension and called for action, as well as shaped the idea of a “people’s community” (Volksgemeinschaft) through the linguistic construction of the image of the enemy and social solidarity. The results of the study show that imperative constructions and nominal forms of the slogans had a strong impact on the recipients’ consciousness, creating a sense of urgency and moral obligation. Repetition, aphoristic expressions, and contrasting syntactic structures enhanced persuasiveness and encouraged mass mobilization. The conclusions emphasize that language functions are not merely a means of forming a text, but an effective tool of ideological influence. Prospects for further research include a deeper analysis of the semantics, pragmatics, and visual design of propaganda texts, as well as their reception in a historical context. Such an approach will contribute to a broader understanding of the mechanisms of linguistic manipulation and may be applied in contemporary studies of political communication, critical discourse analysis, and the study of collective memory.