Hänsel Und Gretel Liedtext Original

Willkommen! Are you planning a trip to Germany and want to immerse yourself in the local culture? Or perhaps you're already here and looking for ways to connect with your new surroundings? One fantastic way to do so is through traditional German songs! In this guide, we'll explore one of the most beloved and enduring: "Hänsel und Gretel," a classic children's song derived from the famous fairytale.

We'll delve into the original German lyrics, their meaning, the cultural significance of the song, and even suggest a few ways you can enjoy it during your stay. Get ready to sing along and discover a piece of German heritage!

The Origins of Hänsel und Gretel

Before we dive into the lyrics, let's briefly revisit the fairytale itself. "Hänsel und Gretel" is a German fairytale collected by the Brothers Grimm and published in 1812. It tells the story of two young children, Hänsel and Gretel, abandoned in the forest by their impoverished parents. They stumble upon a gingerbread house inhabited by a wicked witch who intends to fatten them up and eat them. Cleverness and bravery ultimately help them outsmart the witch and return home safely.

The song "Hänsel und Gretel" is, in essence, a condensed and musical version of this tale. It captures the essence of the story, focusing on the children's journey, the alluring gingerbread house, and the eventual triumph over evil. While there are variations, the core verses remain consistently recognizable.

The Original German Lyrics: A Verse-by-Verse Breakdown

Here are the most common verses of "Hänsel und Gretel," along with a translation and explanation of each:

Verse 1:

Original German:

Hänsel und Gretel,
Verirrten sich im Wald.
Es war so finster,
Und auch so bitterkalt.

English Translation:

Hänsel and Gretel,
Got lost in the forest.
It was so dark,
And also so bitterly cold.

Explanation: This verse sets the scene. It immediately introduces the protagonists and their predicament: lost in a dark and cold forest. The words "verirrten sich" (got lost) and "bitterkalt" (bitterly cold) emphasize the children's vulnerability and the harshness of their situation.

Verse 2:

Original German:

Sie kamen zu einem Häuschen,
Von Pfefferkuchen fein.
Wer knuspert an meinem Häuschen?
Das muss ein Engel sein.

English Translation:

They came to a little house,
Of gingerbread so fine.
Who is nibbling at my little house?
That must be an angel.

Explanation: This verse introduces the iconic gingerbread house. "Pfefferkuchen" (gingerbread) is a traditional German treat, making the house even more enticing. The witch's line, "Wer knuspert an meinem Häuschen?" (Who is nibbling at my little house?), is instantly recognizable and adds a touch of suspense. Her assumption that it must be an angel highlights her deceptive nature.

Verse 3:

Original German:

Die Knusperhexe kam heraus,
Und lockte sie hinein.
Sie gab ihnen Zuckerwerk,
Und Äpfel, goldbraun fein.

English Translation:

The gingerbread witch came out,
And lured them inside.
She gave them sweets,
And apples, golden-brown and fine.

Explanation: Here, the "Knusperhexe" (gingerbread witch) makes her appearance. She lures the children into her house with the promise of treats: "Zuckerwerk" (sweets) and beautifully colored apples. This verse emphasizes the witch's cunning and manipulative tactics.

Verse 4:

Original German:

Hänsel, der musste in den Stall,
Gretel, die blieb im Haus.
Die Hexe wollte sie braten,
Doch Gretel lief geschwind heraus.

English Translation:

Hänsel, he had to go to the stable,
Gretel, she stayed in the house.
The witch wanted to bake them,
But Gretel ran quickly out.

Explanation: This verse recounts the witch's sinister plan. Hänsel is imprisoned in a stable, while Gretel remains in the house. The line "Die Hexe wollte sie braten" (The witch wanted to bake them) clearly reveals the witch's evil intentions. However, Gretel's quick thinking allows her to escape (or, in some versions, trick the witch into the oven herself).

Verse 5:

Original German:

Sie stießen die Hexe in den Ofen,
Der Ofen brannte hell.
So war geschehen die Rache,
Und alles ging wieder schnell.

English Translation:

They pushed the witch into the oven,
The oven burned brightly.
So revenge was accomplished,
And everything went quickly again.

Explanation: This verse describes the witch's demise. They push her into the oven, and she is burned. This verse focuses on the children's successful revenge and the swift resolution of the conflict. The line "So war geschehen die Rache" highlights the theme of justice.

Verse 6:

Original German:

Hänsel und Gretel,
Die gingen froh nach Haus.
Da hat das Leid ein Ende,
Nun sind sie wieder draus.

English Translation:

Hänsel and Gretel,
Went happily home.
The suffering has an end,
Now they are out again.

Explanation: The final verse brings the story to a happy conclusion. Hänsel and Gretel return home, relieved and joyful. The line "Da hat das Leid ein Ende" (The suffering has an end) emphasizes the resolution of their ordeal and their safe return.

Cultural Significance and Variations

The song "Hänsel und Gretel" is deeply ingrained in German culture. It's often sung to children as a lullaby, performed in kindergartens and schools, and featured in Christmas plays and performances. Its simple melody and relatable story make it universally appealing across generations.

While the core verses remain consistent, slight variations exist depending on the region and the specific performance. Some versions may include additional verses detailing their journey through the forest, or focusing more on the treasure they find in the witch's house after her demise. Some adaptations might emphasize the moral of the story more explicitly, highlighting themes of courage, resourcefulness, and the importance of family.

It's also worth noting that Engelbert Humperdinck composed an opera based on the fairytale, first performed in 1893. This opera, also titled "Hänsel und Gretel," further cemented the story's place in German cultural heritage. The opera incorporates elements of the folk song, and its popularity has contributed to the song's enduring appeal.

How to Experience "Hänsel und Gretel" During Your Stay

Here are a few suggestions on how to engage with "Hänsel und Gretel" during your visit to Germany:

Look for Performances: Especially around Christmas time, many theaters and opera houses put on performances of Humperdinck's "Hänsel und Gretel." Check local listings in the cities you plan to visit.
Visit a Christmas Market: German Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) often feature gingerbread houses and other treats reminiscent of the fairytale. Listen out for carolers who might be singing the song.
Purchase a Children's Book: Find a beautifully illustrated version of the "Hänsel und Gretel" fairytale, often available in both German and English, to further immerse yourself in the story.
Ask Locals: Don't be afraid to ask locals if they know the song and if they can sing it for you! This is a great way to connect with German culture on a personal level.
Learn to Sing Along: Memorize the lyrics and sing along! It's a fun and engaging way to learn German and connect with the culture. You can find countless versions on YouTube and other online platforms. Bonus: singing with a group can be a really fun and social experience!
Watch a Film Adaptation: There are many film adaptations of the "Hänsel und Gretel" fairytale, ranging from animated versions to live-action films. Watching one of these can be a fun way to experience the story visually.

Beyond the Song: Exploring the Broader Fairytale World

"Hänsel und Gretel" is just one example of the rich tradition of German fairytales. While you're exploring the country, consider visiting locations associated with the Brothers Grimm and their stories. The Deutsche Märchenstraße (German Fairy Tale Route) is a popular tourist route that connects towns and cities associated with the Brothers Grimm and their fairytales. You can explore museums, castles, and landscapes that inspired their stories.

By engaging with these fairytales, including the song "Hänsel und Gretel," you'll gain a deeper understanding of German culture, history, and values. So, embrace the magic, learn the lyrics, and enjoy your journey through the world of German fairytales!

We hope this guide has been helpful and informative. Viel Spaß (Have fun!) exploring the world of "Hänsel und Gretel" and German culture. And remember, never trust a gingerbread house in the forest!