The national anthem of Germany, officially titled “Das Lied der Deutschen” (“The Song of the Germans”) but commonly known by its opening words “Deutschlandlied,” holds a significant place in the country’s history and identity. While the melody is instantly recognizable, understanding the words for the German national anthem reveals a complex history, marked by political changes and evolving national sentiment. Since 1990, following German reunification, only the third stanza of the original poem has been used as the official anthem, carrying a message of unity, justice, and freedom.
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The Origin of the German National Anthem
The melody of “Das Lied der Deutschen” was composed much earlier than the lyrics. It was written by the renowned Austrian composer Joseph Haydn in 1797. Haydn originally created the tune as “Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser” (“God Save Emperor Francis”) for Emperor Francis II of the Holy Roman Empire (later Emperor of Austria). This melody gained popularity and was used for various texts over the years.
In 1841, the German poet August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben wrote the lyrics for “Das Lied der Deutschen” while on the island of Heligoland (then British). His poem consisted of three stanzas and was set to Haydn’s existing melody. At the time, Germany was not a unified nation but a collection of states. Fallersleben’s poem was an expression of his longing for a unified Germany based on ideals of liberty and national pride.
The German national anthem is sung before sporting events, symbolizing national unity.
The Words: Stanza by Stanza
Hoffmann von Fallersleben’s original poem had three distinct stanzas.
The First Stanza
The most controversial and now unused stanza begins with “Deutschland, Deutschland über alles” (“Germany, Germany above all”).
Deutschland, Deutschland über alles,
Über alles in der Welt,
Wenn es stets zu Schutz und Trutze
Brüderlich zusammenhält;
Von der Maas bis an die Memel,
Von der Etsch bis an den Belt,
Deutschland, Deutschland über alles,
Über alles in der Welt!
This stanza, particularly the opening line, became strongly associated with German nationalism and, tragically, with the expansionist policies of the Nazi regime in the 20th century. While originally intended to mean that Germany (the idea of a unified nation) was paramount to its citizens above regional loyalties, its historical context made it unacceptable after 1945.
The Second Stanza
The second stanza celebrates German women, wine, and song:
Deutsche Frauen, Deutsche Treue,
Deutscher Wein und Deutscher Sang
Sollen in der Welt behalten
Ihren alten schönen Klang,
Uns zu edler Tat begeistern
Unser ganzes Leben lang—
Deutsche Frauen, Deutsche Treue,
Deutscher Wein und Deutscher Sang!
While not overtly political, this stanza is seen as less relevant to the modern concept of a national anthem compared to themes of unity and freedom.
The Third Stanza: The Official Words
The third stanza focuses on the values of “Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit” (Unity and Justice and Freedom). These are the only words for the German national anthem used officially today.
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!
In English, these lines translate to:
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!
The anthem is played at official state visits and ceremonies.
History and Why Only the Third Stanza is Used
“Das Lied der Deutschen” was first declared the national anthem in 1922 during the Weimar Republic. After World War II, with Germany divided and grappling with the legacy of the Nazi era, the status of the anthem was uncertain. West Germany eventually adopted “Das Lied der Deutschen” again in the early 1950s, but specifically stated that only the third stanza should be sung on official occasions. East Germany had its own anthem, “Auferstanden aus Ruinen” (“Risen from Ruins”).
When Germany was reunified in 1990, the then-President Richard von Weizsäcker and Chancellor Helmut Kohl officially confirmed that solely the third stanza would constitute the national anthem for the unified Federal Republic of Germany. This decision symbolically severed the anthem from the problematic historical baggage of the first stanza, emphasizing the democratic values enshrined in the third stanza as the foundation of modern Germany. The focus shifted entirely to the aspirational words of unity, justice, and freedom, reflecting the country’s commitment to a democratic and peaceful future.
German National Anthem – The most beautiful version (YouTube thumbnail)
Today, when you hear the German national anthem played at international events or official ceremonies, it is always Haydn’s melody coupled with the words for the German national anthem from Hoffmann von Fallersleben’s third stanza. These words encapsulate the core principles that the modern German state aspires to uphold, making them a powerful and fitting symbol for the nation. Understanding the history behind which stanzas are sung is key to appreciating the anthem’s contemporary meaning.
National Anthem of East Germany (1949-1990) – Auferstanden Aus Ruinen (YouTube thumbnail)
The journey of the words for the German national anthem from a poem reflecting 19th-century hopes for unity to a symbol of modern democratic values demonstrates the dynamic relationship between poetry, national identity, and history.