The German national anthem, titled “Das Lied der Deutschen” (The Song of the Germans), but often referred to as “Deutschlandlied,” carries a complex history. While its melody dates back to 1797, composed by Joseph Haydn, the lyrics, penned by August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben in 1841, have undergone significant changes over time. This article focuses on the current official lyrics, their English translation, and the historical context surrounding their adoption, specifically focusing on the keyword “German national anthem translated.”
Contents
Germany’s national anthem being performed at an official event.
The Official Lyrics: Third Stanza of “Das Lied der Deutschen”
Today, only the third stanza of Fallersleben’s original poem serves as the official German national anthem. The German lyrics are:
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!German National Anthem Translated into English
A direct English translation of the official German national anthem is:
Unity and justice and freedom
For the German fatherland!
Let us all strive for this
Brotherly with heart and hand!
Unity and justice and freedom
Are the pledge of happiness;
Flourish in the radiance of this happiness,
Flourish, German fatherland!
A performance of the German national anthem
Historical Context and Post-World War II Changes
The “Deutschlandlied” became the national anthem of the Weimar Republic in 1922, aiming to bolster its republican image. After World War II, West Germany readopted it in the 1950s for similar reasons, while East Germany used “Auferstanden aus Ruinen” (Risen from Ruins) until reunification.
Following German reunification in 1990, the third stanza of “Deutschlandlied” was officially confirmed as the national anthem. The first two stanzas, which included the controversial phrase “Deutschland, Deutschland über alles” (Germany, Germany above all), were omitted due to their strong association with Nazi Germany and its expansionist ideology. This decision cemented the modern understanding of the German national anthem, focusing on the values of unity, justice, and freedom within the context of a unified and democratic Germany.
The East German national anthem on YouTube
Conclusion
The “German national anthem translated” offers a glimpse into the country’s complex history and evolving national identity. By focusing on the third stanza, Germany embraces a message of unity, justice, and freedom, distancing itself from the more problematic aspects of its past. This focus provides a foundation for a modern and democratic nation, while the melody, composed by Haydn, continues to resonate with a rich cultural heritage.