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.

by Hoffmann von Fallerleben

English Translation

Unity and Rights and Freedom
For the German Fatherland
Let us all strive for that
Brotherly with heart and hand
Unity and Rights and Freedom
Are the foundation for happiness
Bloom in the glow of happiness
Bloom German Fatherland

The melody of the "Deutschland Lied", composed by Joseph Haydn, is that of the old Austrian "Kaiser Hymn" (Imperial Anthem) which was first played on February 12, 1797.

The text was written in 1841 by August Heinrich Hoffmann von Falleersleben, who wrote many other well-known songs. This was after the defeat of Napoleon who had destroyed the Holy Roman Empire in 1806 grabbing Strassburg and other territories for France. It was apparently intended to create a uniting atmosphere in the 100+ German pricipalities. At that time, the 30 small German states had been loosely united in the "Deutscher Bund" (German Federation) since 1815.

The first President of the German Republic, Friedrich Ebert, officially introduced the "Deutschland Lied" as the National Anthem in 1922.

In May, 1952, the third stanza of the "Deutschland Lied" was proclaimed the anthem of the Federal Republic of Germany by President Theodor Heuss.

Midi file with the tune, for your listening pleasure.

© Cynthia A. Zorn-Scott 2006 - Since 1996