‘Deutschlandlied’, officially known as ‘The Song of the Germans’, has served as the national anthem of Germany since 1922. Its history is complex, particularly concerning its use and perception during and after the Second World War. Understanding the evolution of the German National Anthem World War 2 context requires examining its origin, lyrics, and the decisions made in the post-war period.
The music for ‘Deutschlandlied’ was composed by the renowned classical composer Joseph Haydn in 1797. Originally titled ‘Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser’ (God Save Emperor Francis), it was written to celebrate the birthday of Francis II, who was then the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and later of Austria. Decades later, in 1841, the German poet August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben wrote lyrics to accompany Haydn’s melody. His poem, ‘Das Lied der Deutschen’, consisted of three stanzas.
While Fallersleben’s original intent for the famous first stanza, “Deutschland, Deutschland über alles, über alles in der Welt” (Germany, Germany above all, above all in the world), was an expression of nationalist longing for a unified German state during a time of political fragmentation, these words later became strongly associated with expansionist and national socialist ideologies. The complete poem, set to Haydn’s music, was adopted as the national anthem of the Weimar Republic in 1922.
During the era of the Third Reich and throughout World War II, the first stanza, “Deutschland über alles,” was prominently sung and heavily promoted by the Nazi regime, cementing its negative association with that period. This historical baggage became a significant issue in the aftermath of the war.
After World War II, Germany was divided. The question of a national anthem was sensitive. West Germany eventually adopted ‘Deutschlandlied’ as its national anthem in the early 1950s, but crucially, only the third stanza was designated for official use. This decision was a deliberate move to distance the new democratic state from the connotations of the first two stanzas, especially the first, which had been tainted by Nazi misuse. The third stanza, which begins “Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit” (Unity and justice and freedom), embodies democratic values.
Understanding the structure and rhythm within national anthem lyrics can enhance appreciation for how composers set text to music. The poetic composition uses specific verse forms and meters, similar to how other lyrical works might utilize particular [meter poem] structures. Looking at [examples of poetry forms] can provide context for the historical styles Fallersleben might have drawn upon. The arrangement of lines and syllables often follows a pattern, which aligns with the concept of [what is a meter in literature]. Delving into [what is the definition of meter in a poem] helps reveal the underlying rhythmic foundation that gives lyrics their musical quality.
East Germany, the German Democratic Republic, adopted a different national anthem from 1949 to 1990, titled ‘Auferstanden aus Ruinen’ (Risen from Ruins), composed by Hanns Eisler with lyrics by Johannes R. Becher.
National Anthem of East Germany
When Germany reunified in 1990, the third stanza of Hoffmann von Fallersleben’s poem, ‘Das Lied der Deutschen’, was formally reaffirmed as the sole official national anthem of the unified Federal Republic of Germany. The first two stanzas are not sung or used officially and are generally avoided due to their historical connections, particularly to the events surrounding the german national anthem world war 2.
Here are the lyrics to the third stanza, which is the current official German national anthem:
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 Translation:
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!
In conclusion, while the melody of the German national anthem has remained the same since Haydn’s composition, its lyrics and official status have undergone significant changes, directly influenced by the historical context of World War II and the subsequent division and reunification of Germany. Today, only the third stanza, with its focus on unity, justice, and freedom, represents the nation.