Begrüßungslied Guten Morgen Lied Kindergarten
Willkommen! As you explore Germany, you might stumble upon a charming scene in the mornings: a group of children singing a cheerful song in their Kindergarten. This is likely a Begrüßungslied, or a welcome song, and more specifically, a Guten Morgen Lied (Good Morning Song). These songs are an integral part of German Kindergarten culture, helping children start their day with joy, routine, and a sense of community. If you're planning a trip to Germany with young children, or simply want to understand more about German culture, learning about these songs can be a rewarding experience.
What is a Guten Morgen Lied?
A Guten Morgen Lied is, quite simply, a song sung to greet the morning. It's a traditional element of daily life in German Kindergartens and even some primary schools. The purpose goes beyond just saying "good morning." It's about:
- Establishing a routine: Children thrive on routine, and a consistent morning song helps them transition from home to the Kindergarten environment.
- Building community: Singing together fosters a sense of belonging and togetherness among the children.
- Language development: The songs introduce and reinforce basic vocabulary, pronunciation, and sentence structure in a fun and engaging way.
- Boosting mood: Upbeat melodies and positive lyrics can brighten everyone's mood and create a positive atmosphere for learning.
- Developing musicality: Children learn about rhythm, melody, and singing in tune.
These songs are typically simple, repetitive, and easy to learn, making them perfect for young children. They often involve actions, such as waving, clapping, or pointing to different parts of the body, which further enhances engagement and learning.
Popular Guten Morgen Lieder: Lyrics and Meaning
Here are some of the most popular Guten Morgen Lieder you might hear in a German Kindergarten, along with their lyrics and translations:
"Guten Morgen, Guten Morgen, wir winken uns zu"
This is perhaps the most common and well-known Guten Morgen Lied.
Guten Morgen, Guten Morgen, wir winken uns zu,
Guten Morgen, Guten Morgen, wie geht es denn dir?
Guten Morgen, Guten Morgen, wir klatschen in die Hand,
Guten Morgen, Guten Morgen, im ganzen Kindergartenland!
Translation:
Good morning, good morning, we wave to each other,
Good morning, good morning, how are you?
Good morning, good morning, we clap our hands,
Good morning, good morning, in the whole Kindergarten land!
Actions: The song is usually accompanied by waving to each other on the first line and clapping hands on the third line. This is very simple, and a great greeting to learn.
"Alle Vögel sind schon da"
While not explicitly a "Guten Morgen Lied," this traditional folk song is often sung in the morning, especially during springtime.
Alle Vögel sind schon da,
alle Vögel, alle!
Welch ein Singen, Musiziern,
Pfeifen, Zwitschern, Tiriliern!
Frühling will nun einmarschiern,
Frühling mit Gesang!
Translation:
All the birds are already here,
all the birds, all!
What singing, making music,
Whistling, chirping, trilling!
Spring wants to march in now,
Spring with song!
Actions: This song can be accompanied by imitating bird movements and sounds. This is a good introduction to German folk music.
"Guten Morgen, liebe Leute"
This song is a bit more personalized, as it addresses everyone directly.
Guten Morgen, liebe Leute,
Guten Morgen, groß und klein!
Die Sonne scheint für alle,
drum lasst uns fröhlich sein!
Translation:
Good morning, dear people,
Good morning, big and small!
The sun shines for everyone,
So let us be cheerful!
Actions: This song can be accompanied by spreading your arms wide on the "die Sonne scheint für alle" line to represent the sun shining on everyone.
"Hände waschen, Hände waschen tut man alle Morgen"
This popular song is often sung when washing hands, and can also be used as a morning song to encourage good hygiene.
Hände waschen, Hände waschen tut man alle Morgen,
Hände waschen, Hände waschen ist für uns 'ne Sorgen.
Seife macht die Hände rein,
Und das muss jetzt wirklich sein.
Hände waschen, Hände waschen tut man alle Morgen.
Translation:
Washing hands, washing hands, we do every morning,
Washing hands, washing hands, is a concern for us.
Soap makes the hands clean,
And that really must be now.
Washing hands, washing hands, we do every morning.
Actions: Singing this song while washing hands reinforces the importance of hygiene.
"Der Kuckuck und der Esel"
This is a playful canon, often sung to start the day, although not explicitly a greeting song, its cheerful nature fits well.
Der Kuckuck und der Esel,
Die hatten einen Streit,
Wer wohl am besten sänge,
Zur schönen Sommerzeit.
Der Kuckuck:
"Kuckuck!"
Der Esel:
"I-ah!"
Translation:
The cuckoo and the donkey,
They had an argument,
Who could sing the best,
In the beautiful summer time.
The cuckoo:
"Cuckoo!"
The donkey:
"Hee-haw!"
Actions: This song is typically sung as a canon, with different groups starting at different times. Children can imitate the sounds of the cuckoo and the donkey.
Why These Songs Matter
Understanding these simple songs offers a glimpse into the values and priorities of German early childhood education. It highlights the importance of:
- Structure and routine: Providing a predictable and safe environment for children.
- Community building: Fostering social skills and a sense of belonging.
- Playful learning: Making learning fun and engaging through music and movement.
For tourists and expats, hearing these songs in action can be a heartwarming experience. It's a reminder that despite cultural differences, the joy of childhood is universal. If you have children, learning a few of these songs before your trip to Germany can be a wonderful way to connect with local children and create lasting memories.
Beyond the Kindergarten: Incorporating Guten Morgen Lieder into Your Life
You don't need to be in a German Kindergarten to enjoy and benefit from these songs. Here are some ideas for incorporating them into your own life:
- Learn them with your children: Introduce your children to German language and culture through music.
- Use them as a morning routine: Start your day with a cheerful song to boost your mood and energy levels.
- Share them with friends and family: Spread the joy of German culture by teaching these songs to others.
- Look for online resources: Many websites and YouTube channels offer recordings and tutorials for these songs.
By learning and singing these simple yet meaningful songs, you can gain a deeper appreciation for German culture and create a positive and engaging start to your day, wherever you are in the world.
So, next time you hear a group of children singing "Guten Morgen, Guten Morgen," take a moment to listen and appreciate the beauty and simplicity of this cherished German tradition. It's a small window into a culture that values community, learning, and the joy of childhood.
