Heil dir im Siegerkranz
Encyclopedia
"Heil dir im Siegerkranz" (German
for "Hail to Thee in Victor's Crown") was from 1871 to 1918 the unofficial national anthem
of the German Empire
. Previously, it had been the anthem of Prussia
, the melody of the hymn derived from the British
anthem "God Save the Queen
". For these reasons, the song failed to become popular within all of Germany. Not only did it fail to win the support of most German nationalists, but it was never recognized by the southern German states, such as Bavaria
or Württemberg
. After World War I
, the German Empire came to an end and "Das Lied der Deutschen
" became the national anthem of the Weimar Republic
.
"Die Wacht am Rhein
" ("The Watch on the Rhine") was a second hymn used during the German Empire that could also be denoted as a national anthem in that period.
in 1790 in honour of King Christian VII of Denmark
. The original text was later adapted for use by the German Empire, e.g. the line "Heil, Kaiser, dir" originally read "Heil, Christian, dir".
These lyrics were used for the reign of Kaiser Wilhelm II, German Emperor and King of Prussia. One of the jokes at the time was that the song's title be changed to "Heil Dir im Sonderzug" ("Hail to Thee in Thy Royal Train"), owing to the Kaiser's frequent travels.
German language
German is a West Germanic language, related to and classified alongside English and Dutch. With an estimated 90 – 98 million native speakers, German is one of the world's major languages and is the most widely-spoken first language in the European Union....
for "Hail to Thee in Victor's Crown") was from 1871 to 1918 the unofficial national anthem
National anthem
A national anthem is a generally patriotic musical composition that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions and struggles of its people, recognized either by a nation's government as the official national song, or by convention through use by the people.- History :Anthems rose to prominence...
of the German Empire
German Empire
The German Empire refers to Germany during the "Second Reich" period from the unification of Germany and proclamation of Wilhelm I as German Emperor on 18 January 1871, to 1918, when it became a federal republic after defeat in World War I and the abdication of the Emperor, Wilhelm II.The German...
. Previously, it had been the anthem of Prussia
Prussia
Prussia was a German kingdom and historic state originating out of the Duchy of Prussia and the Margraviate of Brandenburg. For centuries, the House of Hohenzollern ruled Prussia, successfully expanding its size by way of an unusually well-organized and effective army. Prussia shaped the history...
, the melody of the hymn derived from the British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
anthem "God Save the Queen
God Save the Queen
"God Save the Queen" is an anthem used in a number of Commonwealth realms and British Crown Dependencies. The words of the song, like its title, are adapted to the gender of the current monarch, with "King" replacing "Queen", "he" replacing "she", and so forth, when a king reigns...
". For these reasons, the song failed to become popular within all of Germany. Not only did it fail to win the support of most German nationalists, but it was never recognized by the southern German states, such as Bavaria
Bavaria
Bavaria, formally the Free State of Bavaria is a state of Germany, located in the southeast of Germany. With an area of , it is the largest state by area, forming almost 20% of the total land area of Germany...
or Württemberg
Württemberg
Württemberg , formerly known as Wirtemberg or Wurtemberg, is an area and a former state in southwestern Germany, including parts of the regions Swabia and Franconia....
. After World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, the German Empire came to an end and "Das Lied der Deutschen
Das Lied der Deutschen
The "'" , has been used wholly or partially as the national anthem of Germany since 1922. The music was written by Joseph Haydn in 1797 as an anthem for the birthday of the Austrian Emperor Francis II of the Holy Roman Empire...
" became the national anthem of the Weimar Republic
Weimar Republic
The Weimar Republic is the name given by historians to the parliamentary republic established in 1919 in Germany to replace the imperial form of government...
.
"Die Wacht am Rhein
Die Wacht am Rhein
"Die Wacht am Rhein" is a German patriotic anthem. The song's origins are rooted in historical conflicts with France, and it was particularly popular in Germany during the Franco-Prussian War and the First World War....
" ("The Watch on the Rhine") was a second hymn used during the German Empire that could also be denoted as a national anthem in that period.
Lyrics
The lyrics were written by Heinrich HarriesHeinrich Harries
Heinrich Harries was a German theologian from the Duchy of Schleswig, then under Danish sovereignty....
in 1790 in honour of King Christian VII of Denmark
Christian VII of Denmark
Christian VII was King of Denmark and Norway and Duke of Schleswig and Holstein from 1766 until his death. He was the son of Danish King Frederick V and his first consort Louisa, daughter of King George II of Great Britain....
. The original text was later adapted for use by the German Empire, e.g. the line "Heil, Kaiser, dir" originally read "Heil, Christian, dir".
| Heil dir im Siegerkranz | ||
|---|---|---|
| Verse | German | English |
| 1. | Heil dir im Siegerkranz, Herrscher des Vaterlands! Heil, Kaiser, dir! Fühl in des Thrones Glanz Die hohe Wonne ganz, Liebling des Volks zu sein! Heil Kaiser, dir! |
Hail to thee in victor's crown, Ruler of the fatherland! Hail to thee, emperor! Feel in the throne's glow The high ecstasy in full To be darling of thy people! Hail to thee, emperor! |
| 2. | Nicht Roß und Reisige Sichern die steile Höh', Wo Fürsten steh'n: Liebe des Vaterlands, Liebe des freien Manns Gründen den Herrscher Thron Wie Fels im Meer. |
Neither steed nor mounted knight Secure the towering height, Where princes stand: Love of the fatherland, Love of the free man, Create the ruler's throne Like crags at sea. |
| 3. | Heilige Flamme, glüh', Glüh' und erlösche nie Fürs Vaterland! Wir alle stehen dann Mutig für einen Mann, Kämpfen und bluten gern Für Thron und Reich! |
Holy flame, glow, Glow and expire not For the fatherland! Then we all stand Valiant for one man Gladly fighting and bleeding For throne and empire! |
| 4. | Handel und Wissenschaft Heben mit Mut und Kraft Ihr Haupt empor! Krieger- und Heldentat Finden ihr Lorbeerblatt Treu aufgehoben dort, An deinem Thron! |
Commerce and science Hoist with courage and strength Their chief aloft. Warriors' and heroes' deeds Find their laurel leaves Faithfully preserved Upon thy throne! |
| 5. | Dauernder stets zu blüh'n Weh' unsre Flagge kühn Auf hoher See! Ha, wie so stolz und hehr Wirft über Land und Meer Weithin der deutsche Aar Flammenden Blick. |
Forever continuing to bloom Our flag may wave boldly On the high seas! Ha, how proud and majestic Casts over land and sea Widely the German eagle Its flaming gaze. |
| 6. | Sei, Kaiser Wilhelm, hier Lang' deines Volkes Zier, Der Menschheit Stolz! Fühl' in des Thrones Glanz, Die hohe Wonne ganz, Liebling des Volkes zu sein! Heil, Kaiser, dir! |
Be, emperor Wilhelm, here Thy people's ornament for many a year Humanity's pride! Feel in the throne's glow, The high ecstasy in full To be darling of thy people! Hail to thee, emperor! |
See also
- "My Country, 'Tis of TheeMy Country, 'Tis of Thee"My Country, 'Tis of Thee", also known as "America", is an American patriotic song, whose lyrics were written by Samuel Francis Smith. The melody derived from Muzio Clementi's Symphony No. 3, and is shared with "God Save the Queen," used by many members of the Commonwealth of Nations...
" - "Oben am jungen RheinOben am jungen RheinOben am jungen Rhein , sung to the same tune as God Save the Queen, has been the national anthem of Liechtenstein since 1963, when the lyrics were altered ....
": national anthem of LiechtensteinLiechtensteinThe Principality of Liechtenstein is a doubly landlocked alpine country in Central Europe, bordered by Switzerland to the west and south and by Austria to the east. Its area is just over , and it has an estimated population of 35,000. Its capital is Vaduz. The biggest town is Schaan...
, sung to the melody of "God Save the KingGod Save the Queen"God Save the Queen" is an anthem used in a number of Commonwealth realms and British Crown Dependencies. The words of the song, like its title, are adapted to the gender of the current monarch, with "King" replacing "Queen", "he" replacing "she", and so forth, when a king reigns...
", too