Comedy and refugee liminality: transformative narratives in German comedy film Welcome to the Hartmanns

This article analyzes the portrayal of refugees in comedy through the 2016 German film Welcome to the Hartmanns. The study highlights a shift in representation, whereby refugees are not depicted as vulnerable individuals in need of protection but as active, transformative figures. The refugee character in the film reshapes the life of his host family, establishing a new social order—an element central to comedic conventions. His uniqueness arises not from his race or origin but from his liminality—existing between countries, cultures, and identities. Situated at the intersection of refugee liminality and comedic theory, the article explores how his presence induces change, compelling the family to confront their past and embrace a new future. By positioning the refugee as a catalyst for transformation rather than a passive beneficiary of aid, Welcome to the Hartmanns challenges conventional narratives and invites viewers to reconsider refugees’ roles in host societies. The film demonstrates how comedy, beyond entertainment, can provide critical commentary on social issues, offering humor as a tool for fostering empathy and understanding in an increasingly complex world.