Horst Schlämmer is a fictional character created and performed by German comedian Hape Kerkeling for German television. Presented as the earnest deputy editor of a small-town newspaper, he became widely recognised through Kerkeling's comedy programmes and later a feature film, with his interviews and campaign-style appearances turning his stiff, self-important manner into a running joke. Online, short clips of the character circulate as reaction and meme audio, because his formal tone can instantly frame an ordinary post as a mock official announcement.