Deutschlandlied: The History Of The German National Anthem
The Deutschlandlied, also known as Das Lied der Deutschen (The Song of the Germans), serves as the national anthem of Germany. Its melody was composed by Joseph Haydn in 1797, originally for the Austrian Emperor's birthday hymn, and the lyrics were written by August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben in 1841. While the third verse is the official national anthem, the history and context surrounding the Deutschlandlied are complex and fascinating.
Origins and Historical Context
To truly understand the significance of the Deutschlandlied, we need to dive deep into the historical soup that birthed it. Imagine a Germany that wasn't quite Germany yet. Back in the early 19th century, the area we now know as Germany was a patchwork of independent states, each with its own ruler, laws, and identity. This era, following the Napoleonic Wars, was a time of growing nationalism. People were starting to feel a sense of shared German culture and identity, a longing for unification. Amidst this fervent desire for a unified Germany, August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben penned the lyrics to the Deutschlandlied in 1841 on the island of Helgoland, which was then a British possession. The words expressed a yearning for a unified and strong Germany, defining its geographical reach by mentioning the rivers Meuse (Maas), Adige (Etsch), and Belt (Fehmarnbelt). These rivers represented, in the poet's view, the territory inhabited by German speakers. The first verse, with its geographical references, would later become a point of contention due to its association with expansionist ideologies.
Meanwhile, Joseph Haydn's melody had already been around for a few decades. Composed in 1797, it was initially intended as a birthday hymn for the Austrian Emperor Francis II, titled "Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser" (God Save Emperor Francis). Haydn, inspired by the British anthem "God Save the King," sought to create a similarly majestic and patriotic piece for the Austrian Empire. The tune quickly gained popularity and became a symbol of Austrian identity. Little did Haydn know that his melody would eventually be adopted by a nation yet to be fully formed and become intrinsically linked to German identity.
From Patriotic Song to National Anthem
The path of the Deutschlandlied from a patriotic poem to the national anthem of Germany is filled with historical twists and turns. For many years after its creation, the song remained popular among German nationalists and was sung at patriotic gatherings. However, it was not officially adopted as the national anthem until 1922, during the Weimar Republic. This was a period of great political and economic instability in Germany, and the adoption of the Deutschlandlied was seen as a way to promote national unity and pride. Imagine the weight of history pressing down on a fledgling republic, desperately seeking something to rally around.
However, the song's association with the Weimar Republic was short-lived. The rise of the Nazi regime in 1933 marked a dark chapter in German history, and the Deutschlandlied became heavily associated with Nazi propaganda. The first verse, with its emphasis on German borders and territory, was particularly exploited to promote expansionist and racist ideologies. The line "Deutschland, Deutschland über alles" (Germany, Germany above all) was twisted to justify the Nazi's aggressive foreign policy and their belief in German superiority. The song, once a symbol of national unity, became tainted by the horrors of the Nazi era. This is a stark reminder of how symbols can be manipulated and distorted to serve nefarious purposes.
Post-War Germany and the Third Verse
Following World War II, Germany underwent a period of intense reflection and denazification. The Deutschlandlied, due to its association with the Nazi regime, was initially banned from being played publicly. The process of choosing a new national anthem was a delicate and complex one, fraught with historical baggage and the need to distance the new Germany from its dark past. The debate raged on for years, with various alternatives being proposed and considered. Some argued for a completely new anthem, while others felt that the melody of the Deutschlandlied was too deeply ingrained in German culture to be discarded entirely.
Ultimately, in 1952, the third verse of the Deutschlandlied was chosen as the official national anthem of West Germany. This decision was made by Chancellor Konrad Adenauer, who felt that the third verse, with its emphasis on unity, justice, and freedom, best reflected the values of the new democratic Germany. The third verse, which begins with "Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit" (Unity and Justice and Freedom), promotes ideals of peace, justice, and democracy. It emphasizes the importance of these values for a strong and united Germany. The choice of the third verse was a conscious effort to distance the anthem from its problematic past and to focus on a more positive and inclusive vision of German identity.
The Deutschlandlied Today
Today, the third verse of the Deutschlandlied remains the official national anthem of Germany. It is sung at official events, sporting competitions, and other occasions of national significance. While the song is widely accepted and respected, its history continues to be a subject of discussion and debate. Some Germans still feel uncomfortable with the song's association with the Nazi era, while others argue that it is important to acknowledge the past and to learn from it.
The Deutschlandlied serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of German history and identity. It is a song that has been used to promote both unity and division, peace and war. Its story is a testament to the power of music and words to shape national identity and to reflect the values of a nation. The anthem's journey reflects Germany's own journey through periods of unification, conflict, division, and ultimately, a commitment to democratic values. Remembering the full history of the Deutschlandlied helps Germans today appreciate their country's progress and strive for a future defined by unity, justice, and freedom.
Lyrics of the Third Verse
Here are the lyrics to the third verse of the Deutschlandlied, the official national anthem of Germany:
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!
Translation:
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 glory of this happiness, flourish, German fatherland!
Conclusion
The story of the Deutschlandlied is more than just the history of a song; it's a reflection of Germany's own tumultuous journey through unification, war, division, and eventual embrace of democratic values. From its origins as a patriotic hymn to its adoption and subsequent association with the Nazi regime, the anthem has carried the weight of German history. Today, the third verse stands as a symbol of unity, justice, and freedom, representing the aspirations of a nation committed to a peaceful and democratic future. The Deutschlandlied serves as a reminder of the power of music and national symbols, as well as the importance of understanding and confronting the past in order to build a better future. So next time you hear the Deutschlandlied, take a moment to reflect on its rich and complex history. It's a story worth remembering.
