The German national anthem, known as the “Deutschlandlied” (Song of Germany), has a rich and complex history. This article focuses on the English translation of its current lyrics, exploring its meaning and the historical context surrounding its evolution, especially after World War II.
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The “Deutschlandlied” has served as Germany’s national anthem since 1922. Its melody, composed by Joseph Haydn in 1797, was originally titled “Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser” (God Save Emperor Francis), honoring the birthday of Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor. The lyrics, penned by Hoffmann von Fallersleben in 1841, underwent significant changes over time, particularly after World War II.
Current German National Anthem Lyrics and English Translation
Today, only the third stanza of Fallersleben’s poem is officially recognized as the German national anthem. The original lyrics and their direct English translation are as follows:
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!
English:
Unity and justice and freedom
For the German fatherland!
Towards these let us all strive
Brotherly with heart and hand!
Unity and justice and freedom
Are the foundation of happiness;
Flourish in the radiance of this happiness,
Flourish, German fatherland!
These lines emphasize the core values of unity, justice, and freedom as essential for the well-being and prosperity of Germany. The call for striving towards these ideals “brotherly with heart and hand” highlights the importance of collective effort and solidarity. The lyrics connect these values directly to the nation’s happiness and prosperity.
Evolution of the German National Anthem After World War II
The “Deutschlandlied” has a complicated history tied to Germany’s turbulent 20th century. After World War I, the Weimar Republic adopted the song as its anthem in an attempt to bolster its republican image.
Following World War II and the division of Germany, West Germany readopted the “Deutschlandlied” in the 1950s, again with the intention of reinforcing its democratic values. However, only the third stanza was officially used, omitting the controversial first stanza which included the phrase “Deutschland, Deutschland über alles” (Germany, Germany above all). This phrase, while originally intended to promote German unity, became associated with Nazi Germany’s expansionist ideology.
German national anthem – beautiful version
East Germany, under Soviet influence, adopted a different anthem, “Auferstanden aus Ruinen” (Risen from Ruins), from 1949 until reunification. Upon reunification in 1990, the third stanza of the “Deutschlandlied,” focusing on unity, justice, and freedom, was officially confirmed as the national anthem of the unified Germany. This decision marked a conscious effort to distance the anthem from its problematic past and embrace a future based on democratic principles.
East German national anthem
Conclusion
The German national anthem’s current lyrics, in their English translation, reveal a focus on universal values: unity, justice, and freedom. The historical context surrounding its evolution, particularly the omission of the first stanza after World War II, demonstrates a conscious effort to reclaim the anthem as a symbol of a democratic and unified Germany. The “Deutschlandlied” stands today as a testament to Germany’s commitment to these values and its complex journey towards national identity.