Stromberg is a German comedy series that premiered on ProSieben in 2004, starring Christoph Maria Herbst as department manager Bernd Stromberg. Modelled in style on workplace mockumentaries, the show built its humour around his blunt management phrases and uncomfortable office encounters. Short lines like kein Wattepusten were clipped by fans for forums, videos and soundboards because the meaning is clear even out of context. The phrase survives as a compact reaction for shutting down soft excuses, which keeps the character present in German meme culture long after the original broadcast.