„Schweigt stille, plaudert nicht!“ – Vom Schweigen zum Verschweigen in Politik und Öffentlichkeit

Abstract This paper explores the role of silence and concealment in political discourse from a linguistic-pragmatic perspective. It distinguishes between overt, observable silence and the intentional withholding of information, using conversational maxims and empirical analysis as interpretive tools. Drawing on examples from interviews and public events, the study demonstrates how deliberate non-communication functions both as a device of strategic ambiguity and as a tool of deflection. Through detailed examples and reference to conversational maxims, it shows how deliberate silence can undermine democratic transparency and erode public trust. The paper also addresses the ethical dimensions of omitting relevant information, highlighting the resulting damage to political credibility. Ultimately, it calls for a critical re-evaluation of silence as a multifaceted communicative strategy within the public sphere.