Text Von Hänsel Und Gretel Lied

Willkommen! Are you planning a trip to Germany and want to immerse yourself in its rich culture? Perhaps you're already here and looking for ways to connect with the local traditions? Then you've come to the right place! Today, we'll explore a beloved German children's song: the "Hänsel und Gretel Lied." This isn't just a song; it's a cultural touchstone, instantly recognizable and deeply ingrained in the German collective consciousness. Learning about it is a delightful way to understand German folklore and appreciate its influence on German society.

The Story Behind the Song: Hänsel and Gretel's Perilous Journey

Before diving into the lyrics and melody, let's quickly recap the fairytale. "Hänsel und Gretel" is, of course, the story of two siblings lost in the woods. Their parents, facing extreme poverty, decide to abandon them. Hänsel, resourceful as ever, leaves a trail of pebbles to find their way back home, but the second time, they are only able to use bread crumbs, which the birds quickly eat. Deep in the forest, they stumble upon a gingerbread house inhabited by a wicked witch. She lures them inside with promises of food and shelter but intends to fatten them up and eat them! However, clever Gretel outsmarts the witch, pushes her into the oven, and the siblings escape, finding their way back home and a better life. The song we'll explore encapsulates key moments and feelings from this classic tale.

Deconstructing the "Hänsel und Gretel Lied": Lyrics and Meaning

There are several variations of the "Hänsel und Gretel Lied," but one of the most common and recognizable is the following. We'll break it down line by line, providing both the German lyrics and their English translation:

Verse 1: The Evening Prayer

German: Hänsel und Gretel, verliefen sich im Wald.

English: Hänsel and Gretel, got lost in the forest.

German: Sie irrten hin und her, war'n müde und auch alt.

English: They wandered back and forth, were tired and also old.

German: Da sahen sie ein Häuschen, von Pfefferkuchen fein.

English: Then they saw a little house, made of gingerbread so fine.

German: Wer mag der Herr wohl sein?

English: Who might the master be?

This verse sets the scene. It highlights the children's vulnerability and desperation. The description of the gingerbread house as "von Pfefferkuchen fein" (of gingerbread so fine) emphasizes its tempting and deceptive nature. The last line, "Wer mag der Herr wohl sein?" introduces an element of suspense and foreshadows the danger lurking within.

Verse 2: Temptation and Deception

German: Hänsel und Gretel, knabberten daran.

English: Hänsel and Gretel, nibbled on it.

German: Da kam die alte Hexe, gelaufen voller Wahn.

English: Then came the old witch, running full of delusion.

German: "Ihr lieben Kinderlein, kommt herein zu mir!"

English: "You dear little children, come inside to me!"

German: Sie sprach so freundlich schier.

English: She spoke so very friendly.

The children succumb to temptation and begin to eat the gingerbread house. The arrival of the witch is described as "gelaufen voller Wahn" (running full of delusion), suggesting her madness and malevolence. Her words, "Ihr lieben Kinderlein, kommt herein zu mir!" (You dear little children, come inside to me!) are dripping with false kindness, highlighting the deceptive nature of evil. The phrase "Sie sprach so freundlich schier" (She spoke so very friendly) further emphasizes this deception and the children's naivety.

Verse 3: Danger and Escape

German: Hänsel und Gretel, die folgten ihrem Wort.

English: Hänsel and Gretel, followed her word.

German: Sie brachte sie ins Haus, der Hunger war so groß dort.

English: She brought them into the house, the hunger was so great there.

German: Doch Gretel stieß sie rein, ins Feuer voller Glut.

English: But Gretel pushed her in, into the fire full of embers.

German: Da war die Hexe tot und gut!

English: Then the witch was dead and good!

This verse depicts the children's entry into the witch's house and their impending doom. Their hunger drives them to trust her. However, Gretel's quick thinking and bravery save them. The line "Doch Gretel stieß sie rein, ins Feuer voller Glut" (But Gretel pushed her in, into the fire full of embers) is a pivotal moment of triumph over evil. The somewhat abrupt "Da war die Hexe tot und gut!" (Then the witch was dead and good!) reflects the decisive and irreversible nature of Gretel's action.

Verse 4: Homecoming and Happiness

German: Hänsel und Gretel, die gingen wieder heim.

English: Hänsel and Gretel, went home again.

German: Der Vater war betrübt, jetzt sind sie nicht mehr allein.

English: The father was grieved, now they are no longer alone.

German: Da freuten sich die Eltern, die Not war nun vorbei.

English: Then the parents rejoiced, the hardship was now over.

German: So leben sie nun froh dabei!

English: So they now live happily ever after!

The final verse brings the story to a happy conclusion. Hänsel and Gretel find their way back home, and their father is overjoyed. The line "Der Vater war betrübt, jetzt sind sie nicht mehr allein" (The father was grieved, now they are no longer alone) highlights the father's remorse and the relief of their reunion. The end of their hardship is celebrated, and they live "froh dabei" (happily ever after).

Why is this Song so Popular?

The "Hänsel und Gretel Lied" is popular for several reasons:

Simplicity and Repetition: The melody is simple and repetitive, making it easy for children to learn and sing along.
Familiar Story: The song is based on a well-known and beloved fairytale, instantly connecting with audiences.
Moral Lesson: The story teaches important lessons about resourcefulness, bravery, and the dangers of trusting strangers.
Cultural Significance: It's a deeply ingrained part of German culture, passed down through generations. Singing it evokes feelings of nostalgia and connection to one's heritage.
Themes of Hope and Resilience: Despite the dark themes of abandonment and danger, the story ultimately offers a message of hope and resilience, showing that even in the face of adversity, good can triumph over evil.

Where You Might Hear the Song

You're likely to hear the "Hänsel und Gretel Lied" in various settings:

Kindergartens and Schools: It's a staple in early childhood education, often sung during playtime or story time.
Family Gatherings: Many German families sing it together during Christmas or other holidays.
Christmas Markets: The fairytale theme is often reflected in Christmas market decorations and performances, and you might hear the song being played.
Themed Performances: Puppet shows, theatrical productions, and even operas based on the story often feature the song.
Even as a lullaby: Some families sing it as a calming melody to put children to sleep.

Tips for Learning and Enjoying the Song

Here are some tips to help you learn and enjoy the "Hänsel und Gretel Lied":

Find a Recording: Search for "Hänsel und Gretel Lied" on YouTube or Spotify. Listening to the song repeatedly will help you learn the melody and pronunciation.
Read Along: Follow the lyrics while you listen to the song. This will help you connect the words with the melody and understand the meaning.
Sing Along: Don't be afraid to sing along, even if you don't know all the words perfectly. Practice makes perfect!
Learn About the Fairytale: Reading the original "Hänsel und Gretel" fairytale will provide context and deepen your understanding of the song.
Find a Native Speaker: If possible, ask a native German speaker to help you with pronunciation and intonation.
Don't be Intimidated: Learning a new language and a new song can be daunting, but don't be discouraged! Just have fun with it.

Beyond the Song: Exploring the Wider World of German Fairytales

The "Hänsel und Gretel Lied" is just one small window into the vast and fascinating world of German fairytales. The Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm, collected and published many of the most famous tales, including "Cinderella" ("Aschenputtel"), "Little Red Riding Hood" ("Rotkäppchen"), and "Sleeping Beauty" ("Dornröschen"). Exploring these stories can provide further insights into German culture and history.

Understanding the "Hänsel und Gretel Lied" is more than just learning a song; it's about connecting with a piece of German culture and appreciating its rich storytelling tradition. So, the next time you hear this song, you'll not only recognize the tune but also understand the story and the cultural significance behind it. Viel Spaß! (Have fun!)