Nationalism - a topic that unfortunately is once again on everyone's lips, and not only, but especially in Germany. The AfD, Pegida, and others, as well as the governments of some EU states, claim a positive nationalism, a healthy patriotism, while deeply resorting to the lowest drawer of hate and exclusion. Nationalism is not inherently a battle cry of those on the right, but originally quite the opposite: a movement connecting nations in the name of freedom, equality, and brotherhood. What leads to the strengthening of nationalisms? What do people hope for from a strong nation-state? And: Why are nationalist slogans becoming socially acceptable again in Germany? Peter Alter clarifies where the term comes from, where it has moved, and where it continues to move in his enlightening essay.