What does “aufs Korn nehmen” mean in German?

In this clip, a carnival builder makes floats that “take aim” at world leaders: “Sie nehmen die politischen Akteure aufs Korn.” “Korn” is the little notch you line up when you aim a gun, so the phrase pictures someone sharpening their focus on a target. In real use it means to single a person out and mock or criticise them hard. Notice it is the floats, not people, doing the aiming here.

Spoken line: “Sie nehmen die politischen Akteure aufs Korn.” — “They take aim at the political players.” The “Korn” is the front sight on a gun, the small piece you line up with your target. So “jemanden aufs Korn nehmen” means to lock your focus on someone and go after them — usually with mockery or sharp criticism, not real violence. Examples: - “Die Komikerin nimmt gern Politiker aufs Korn.” — The comedian likes to take aim at politicians. - “In seiner Kolumne nimmt er die ganze Branche aufs Korn.” — In his column he takes aim at the whole industry. - “Diesmal nehmen sie den Chef aufs Korn.” — This time they’re going after the boss. Usage notes: It’s common in news, comedy, and reviews when a writer or critic targets someone. The verb takes a person or thing as its object: jemanden / etwas aufs Korn nehmen. Tone is sharp but playful, often satire — as with these carnival floats.