The national anthem of Germany is called: « Deutschlandlied« .
Continent: Europe
Bordering Countries:
– 🇦🇹 Austria
– 🇧🇪 Belgium
– 🇨🇿 Czechia
– 🇮🇹 Italy
– 🇱🇺 Luxembourg
– 🇳🇱 Netherlands (Kingdom of the)
– 🇨🇭Switzerland
– 🇵🇱 Poland
History of « Deutschlandlied »
« Deutschlandlied » (Song of Germany), also known as « Das Lied der Deutschen » (The Song of the Germans), is the national anthem of Germany. The anthem’s melody was composed by Joseph Haydn in 1797, and the lyrics were written by August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben in 1841. It has undergone various changes and has been a symbol of German identity through different historical periods.
Key Dates and People
- 1797: The melody of « Deutschlandlied » was composed by Joseph Haydn as part of the « Kaiserhymne » (Emperor’s Hymn) for the Austrian Emperor Francis II.
- 1841: August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben wrote the lyrics to « Deutschlandlied » on the island of Heligoland, which was then under British control. The lyrics were intended to promote the idea of a unified Germany.
- 1922: « Deutschlandlied » was adopted as the national anthem of the Weimar Republic. The anthem’s first verse, « Deutschland, Deutschland über alles, » was particularly emphasized.
- 1945: After World War II, the anthem was banned due to its association with Nazi Germany, which had used the first verse for propaganda purposes.
- 1952: The Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) reinstated « Deutschlandlied » as the national anthem, but only the third verse was used to emphasize unity and freedom.
- 1990: Following the reunification of Germany, the third verse of « Deutschlandlied » was confirmed as the national anthem of the unified Germany.
Anecdotes
- Heligoland Inspiration: Hoffmann von Fallersleben wrote the lyrics while on the island of Heligoland, inspired by the natural beauty and the idea of a unified German nation.
- Nazi Propaganda: During the Nazi era, the first verse of « Deutschlandlied » was heavily used for propaganda, leading to its association with the regime. This is why only the third verse is used today.
- Reunification: After the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of East and West Germany, there was a debate about whether to adopt a new national anthem. Ultimately, the third verse of « Deutschlandlied » was retained to symbolize continuity and unity.
Excerpt Lyrics
In German
Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit
Für das deutsche Vaterland!
Danach lasst uns alle streben
Brüderlich mit Herz und Hand!
Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit
Sind des Glückes Unterpfand;
Blüh' im Glanze dieses Glückes,
Blühe, deutsches Vaterland!
Blüh' im Glanze dieses Glückes,
Blühe, deutsches Vaterland!In English (translation)
Unity and justice and freedom
For the German fatherland!
Let us all strive for this purpose
Brotherly with heart and hand!
Unity and justice and freedom
Are the pledge of happiness;
Flourish in this blessing's glory,
Flourish, German fatherland!
Flourish in this blessing's glory,
Flourish, German fatherland!Sources: