"Die Russen kommen!" which translates to "The Russians are coming!" is a widespread joke in Germany influenced by the "Werner" comics (about a motorbike-driving

"Die Russen kommen!" which translates to "The Russians are coming!" is a widespread joke in Germany influenced by the "Werner" comics (about a motorbike-driving plumber apprentice) which is often used when you are joking about not really existent dangers. So this was not really based on the influence of US news but I think it fit quite well nevertheless. edit: I think in the comics it's "Werner, die Russen kommen!" when Werner and his colleague are joking about their boss and his hysterical character and Werners colleague impersonates the boss. Just to give a little more context. ;-)