1. Und 2. Strophe Nationalhymne Text

Willkommen! So, you're curious about the second verse (2. Strophe) of the German National Anthem, eh? That's fantastic! Whether you're planning a trip to Germany, already exploring its vibrant cities and stunning landscapes, or simply interested in German culture, understanding the anthem is a great way to connect with the country's history and spirit. Let's dive in!

Understanding the Basics: The Third Verse is Key

Before we get to the second verse, it's crucial to understand a little history and why only the third verse is actually sung as the national anthem today. The lyrics come from a poem called "Das Lied der Deutschen" (The Song of the Germans), written by August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben in 1841. The melody is by Joseph Haydn, composed in 1797. The song was initially adopted as the national anthem during the Weimar Republic in 1922. However, the *first and second verses* became heavily associated with the Nazi regime during World War II due to their interpretation and misuse. As a result, after the war, only the third verse was officially recognized as the national anthem of Germany.

Think of it this way: Germany learned a tough lesson from its history. Choosing to sing only the third verse reflects a commitment to the values of unity, justice, and freedom, distancing itself from the problematic interpretations of the other verses.

The Infamous First Verse: What It Says, and Why It's Not Sung

For context, let's quickly look at the first verse, so you understand the debate around it:

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!

A literal translation is:

Germany, Germany above all,
Above all in the world,
When it always stands, for protection and defiance,
Brotherly together.
From the Meuse to the Memel,
From the Adige to the Belt –
Germany, Germany above all,
Above all in the world!

The phrase "Deutschland, Deutschland über alles" is often misunderstood. It doesn't mean that Germany is superior to other countries. At the time it was written, Germany wasn't a unified nation-state. The phrase was a call for national unity *above all else*, prioritizing the unification of the German-speaking lands over regional loyalties. However, this phrase was heavily exploited by the Nazis to promote a nationalistic and aggressive ideology. Therefore, it is understandable that its use was discontinued.

Finally, the Second Verse: An Examination

Now, let's focus on the verse you came here to learn about: the second verse of "Das Lied der Deutschen."

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!

Here's a close English translation:

German women, German loyalty,
German wine and German song
Shall be preserved in the world
Their old beautiful sound,
Inspire us to noble deeds
Our entire life long –
German women, German loyalty,
German wine and German song!

Analyzing the Lyrics

This verse celebrates key aspects of German culture: German women, loyalty (Treue), wine, and song. Each element deserves a closer look:

German Women: The mention of "German women" is somewhat ambiguous and has been interpreted in various ways over time. Some see it as a reference to the strength, resilience, and virtues associated with German women. Others find it problematic due to its potential for essentializing and idealizing women based on their nationality.
German Loyalty (Treue): Loyalty is a highly valued concept in German culture, often associated with faithfulness, commitment, and reliability. Historically, loyalty was crucial in a society structured around feudal relationships and later, national identity. The term Treue itself carries a weight that goes beyond simple faithfulness; it speaks to a deep-seated commitment.
German Wine: Wine is an integral part of German culture, particularly in regions like the Rhine Valley and Mosel Valley. German wines, especially Riesling, are renowned for their quality and distinctive flavors. Mentioning German wine evokes images of picturesque vineyards, traditional festivals, and the convivial atmosphere of wine taverns.
German Song (Sang): This refers to the rich tradition of German folk songs, classical music, and choral singing. From the compositions of Bach and Beethoven to traditional Volkslieder (folk songs), music has always been a significant part of German cultural identity.

The verse expresses a desire to preserve these cultural elements and their "old beautiful sound" for posterity. The lyrics suggest that these elements should "inspire us to noble deeds our entire life long." This is a call to action, urging Germans to live up to the ideals embodied by these cultural touchstones.

Why Isn't the Second Verse Sung Today?

While not as problematic as the first verse, the second verse is still not sung as part of the official national anthem. Several factors contribute to this decision:

Potential for Misinterpretation: The verse can be seen as promoting a romanticized and potentially exclusionary view of German culture. The focus on "German women," "German loyalty," "German wine," and "German song" could be interpreted as excluding or marginalizing those who do not fit this narrow definition of Germanness.
Association with the Past: Like the first verse, the second verse was also used during the Nazi era, further associating it with a period of immense suffering and injustice. While the lyrics themselves are not inherently offensive, their historical context makes them unsuitable for representing modern Germany.
Focus on Unity, Justice, and Freedom: The third verse explicitly states the values of unity, justice, and freedom (Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit). This aligns with the democratic principles of modern Germany and its commitment to human rights. The third verse offers a more inclusive and forward-looking message than the first two verses.

The Relevant Third Verse: What You Should Know

So, what is sung? Here's the third verse:

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 these
Brotherly with heart and hand!
Unity and justice and freedom
Are the pledge of happiness –
Flourish in the radiance of this happiness,
Flourish, German fatherland!

This verse emphasizes the core values of modern Germany: unity (Einigkeit), justice (Recht), and freedom (Freiheit). It calls for a collective effort to achieve these ideals "brotherly with heart and hand." The verse also states that these values are the "pledge of happiness" and expresses a wish for the German fatherland to flourish in their radiance.

Why This Matters to You

As a tourist or expat, understanding the historical context of the German national anthem and the reasons behind choosing only the third verse can provide valuable insight into German culture and identity. It demonstrates a commitment to learning about the country's past and present. Whether you're attending a sporting event, a political rally, or simply hearing the anthem played on television, you'll have a deeper appreciation for its significance.

Final Thoughts

The German national anthem is more than just a song; it's a reflection of the country's complex history and its aspirations for the future. While the *second verse* offers a glimpse into traditional German values, the third verse embodies the principles of unity, justice, and freedom that define modern Germany. Understanding the reasons why only the third verse is sung will enrich your experience in Germany and allow you to connect with the country on a deeper level. Enjoy your time exploring Germany!