This historical semantic study examines Otto von Bismarck's use of the termVolk('people') and its synonyms such asNationorStamm< EM> ('tribe'). It shows that the expressions are multiply polysemous and that individual meanings can be bundled together into concepts (state community, cultural community etc.). Bismarck employs certain repetitive patterns of argument and an 'open system' of expressions withVolkto prosecute or legitimise political aims depending on the time, situation, text-type and addressees.