Komm Lieber Mai Und Mache Text Pdf

Herzlich willkommen! Are you planning a trip to Germany, or perhaps already enjoying a German spring? Then you’ve probably already heard the cheerful melodies of children singing. Chances are good that you’ve stumbled across a traditional German song called "Komm, lieber Mai, und mache…," a beloved ode to the month of May and the long-awaited arrival of spring. This guide is designed to help you understand and appreciate this charming tune, making your German experience even richer. We'll delve into the lyrics, explore the song's history, and provide you with a printable PDF of the text so you can sing along!

What is "Komm, lieber Mai, und mache"?

"Komm, lieber Mai, und mache" is a popular German folk song celebrating the arrival of May and the blossoming of spring. It's incredibly popular among children and is often sung during May Day celebrations (Maifeiertag) and throughout the month. The song is simple, repetitive, and full of imagery evoking warmth, flowers, and the joy of nature awakening after the long winter. Its catchy tune makes it easily memorable, even for those unfamiliar with the German language.

The Lyrics: A Breakdown and Translation

The song's beauty lies in its simplicity. Here's the standard version of the lyrics, along with a line-by-line translation to help you understand the meaning:

Komm, lieber Mai, und mache
Come, dear May, and make

Die Bäume wieder grün,
The trees green again,

Und lass uns an dem Bache
And let us at the brook

Die kleinen Blümlein blüh'n.
The little flowers bloom.

Wie mögen wir dichPreise
How should we praise you

Wie soll das wohl gescheh'n?
How should that happen?

Gibst uns so vieler Speise,
You give us so much food,

Woll’n dich dafür erhöh’n.
We want to honor you for it.

Let's break down each verse a bit further:

Verse 1: This verse is a direct plea to May, asking it to bring back the greenness to the trees. It sets the scene for the rejuvenation of nature.
Verse 2: This continues the imagery of spring, focusing on the blooming flowers near a brook (Bach). The brook adds a touch of idyllic beauty to the scene.
Verse 3: This verse expresses gratitude and poses the question of how to properly thank May for its gifts.
Verse 4: This verse answers the question by stating that we will honor May in return for the "Speise" (food/nourishment) it provides – referring to the bounty of the season that allows life to thrive.

Notice the use of affectionate diminutives like "Blümlein" (little flowers). This adds a touch of childlike innocence and tenderness to the song.

Variations and Additional Verses

While the four verses above represent the most common version, you may encounter variations or additional verses. Sometimes, you'll find verses that focus on other aspects of spring, such as the return of birdsong or the warmth of the sun. These additions often maintain the same simple structure and positive tone as the original verses.

The History of "Komm, lieber Mai, und mache"

The exact origins of "Komm, lieber Mai, und mache" are somewhat unclear, as with many traditional folk songs. It's believed to have originated in the 18th or 19th century, passed down through oral tradition before being written down. It likely emerged from the agricultural traditions of rural Germany, where the arrival of spring was a crucial time for planting and ensuring a successful harvest. The song reflects a deep connection to nature and a reliance on the changing seasons.

Although the specific composer is unknown, its enduring popularity suggests that it resonated deeply with generations of Germans. Its simplicity and universal themes of renewal and gratitude ensured its survival and continued relevance.

Why is it So Popular?

Several factors contribute to the enduring popularity of "Komm, lieber Mai, und mache":

Simplicity: The lyrics are easy to understand, even for young children. The melody is also simple and catchy, making it easy to learn and remember.
Positive Imagery: The song evokes pleasant images of spring, such as green trees, blooming flowers, and the warmth of the sun. These images are universally appealing.
Cultural Significance: The song is deeply embedded in German culture and tradition. It's often sung during May Day celebrations and other spring festivals.
Nostalgia: For many Germans, the song evokes fond memories of childhood and simpler times.

Singing "Komm, lieber Mai, und mache": Pronunciation Tips

To sing along with confidence, here are a few pronunciation tips:

"Komm": Pronounced like "come" in English, but with a slightly shorter "o" sound.
"Lieber": Pronounced "lee-ber," with a long "e" sound and a rolled "r."
"Mai": Pronounced like "my" in English.
"Mache": Pronounced "mah-che," with a short "a" sound and a "ch" sound similar to the "ch" in the Scottish word "loch."
"Bäume": Pronounced "boy-meh," with a dipthong "äu" sound.
"Grün": Pronounced "gruen," with a long "ue" sound similar to the French "u."
"Bache": Pronounced "bah-che," similar to "mache."
"Blümlein": Pronounced "bloom-line," with a long "ue" sound.
"Blüh'n": Pronounced "blue-en," similar to "Blümlein" without the "-line"
"Preise": Pronounced "pry-zeh," with a long "i" sound.
"Gescheh'n": Pronounced "geh-shehn," with a soft "g" and a "ch" sound.
"Speise": Pronounced "shpy-zeh," with a "sh" sound at the beginning.
"Erhöh'n": Pronounced "air-hoeh-en," with a rolled "r" and a "oe" similar to the "eu" in "neuf".

Where to Hear and Experience "Komm, lieber Mai, und mache"

While you can easily find recordings of the song online, the best way to experience "Komm, lieber Mai, und mache" is to hear it sung live. Here are a few places where you might encounter it:

Schools and Kindergartens: German schools and kindergartens often teach the song to children. You might hear it being sung during outdoor activities or May Day celebrations.
May Day Festivals (Maifeiertag): Many towns and cities in Germany hold May Day festivals on May 1st. These festivals often feature traditional music and dance, including "Komm, lieber Mai, und mache."
Choirs and Singing Groups: Many German choirs and singing groups perform the song, especially during the spring season.
Street Musicians: You might even encounter street musicians performing the song in public squares or parks.

Downloadable PDF: Sing Along!

To help you learn and sing along, we've created a printable PDF with the lyrics of "Komm, lieber Mai, und mache." This PDF is perfect for practicing at home or bringing with you on your travels. You can easily access it with a simple search like "Komm Lieber Mai Und Mache Text Pdf".

Beyond the Song: Experiencing German Spring

Learning and singing "Komm, lieber Mai, und mache" is just one way to immerse yourself in German culture during the spring. Here are a few other suggestions:

Visit a Biergarten: Biergartens (beer gardens) are a popular place to enjoy the warm weather and socialize with friends and family.
Explore a Park or Garden: Germany has many beautiful parks and gardens that are especially stunning in the spring. Visit places like the Englischer Garten in Munich or the Herrenhäuser Gärten in Hanover.
Attend a Spring Festival: Many towns and cities in Germany hold spring festivals with food, music, and traditional activities.
Go Hiking or Biking: The German countryside is perfect for hiking and biking. Explore the trails and enjoy the fresh air and scenery.

We hope this guide has given you a deeper appreciation for "Komm, lieber Mai, und mache." Learning this song is a wonderful way to connect with German culture and celebrate the arrival of spring. Enjoy singing along and have a wonderful time exploring Germany!