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Imperial anthem of The German Empire |
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| Lyrics | Heinrich Harries, 1790 |
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| Music | Composer unknown |
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"Heil dir im Siegerkranz" (instrumental)
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"Heil dir im Siegerkranz" (German for "Hail to Thee in Victor's Crown") was from 1871 to 1918 the unofficial national anthem of the German Empire. Previously, it had been the anthem of Prussia, the melody of the hymn derived from the British anthem "God Save the Queen". For these reasons, the song failed to become popular within all of Germany. Not only did it fail to win the support of most German nationalists, but it was never recognized by the southern German states, such as Bavaria or Württemberg. After World War I, the German Empire came to an end and "Das Lied der Deutschen" became the national anthem of the Weimar Republic.
"Die Wacht am Rhein" ("The Watch on the Rhine") was a second hymn used during the German Empire that could also be denoted as a national anthem in that period.
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The lyrics were written by Heinrich Harries in 1790 in honour of King Christian VII of Denmark. The original text was later adapted for use by the German Empire, e.g. the line "Heil, Kaiser, dir" originally read "Heil, Christian, dir".
| Heil dir im Siegerkranz | ||
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| Verse | German | English |
| 1. | Heil dir im Siegerkranz, Herrscher des Vaterlands! Heil, Kaiser, dir! Fühl in des Thrones Glanz Die hohe Wonne ganz, Liebling des Volks zu sein! Heil Kaiser, dir! |
Hail to thee in victor's crown, Ruler of the fatherland! Hail to thee, emperor! Feel in the throne's glow The high ecstasy in full To be darling of thy people! Hail to thee, emperor! |
| 2. | Nicht Roß und Reisige Sichern die steile Höh', Wo Fürsten steh'n: Liebe des Vaterlands, Liebe des freien Manns Gründen den Herrscher Thron Wie Fels im Meer. |
Neither steed nor mounted knight Secure the towering height, Where princes stand: Love of the fatherland, Love of the free man, Create the ruler's throne Like crags at sea. |
| 3. | Heilige Flamme, glüh', Glüh' und erlösche nie Fürs Vaterland! Wir alle stehen dann Mutig für einen Mann, Kämpfen und bluten gern Für Thron und Reich! |
Holy flame, glow, Glow and expire not For the fatherland! Then we all stand Valiant for one man Gladly fighting and bleeding For throne and empire! |
| 4. | Handel und Wissenschaft Heben mit Mut und Kraft Ihr Haupt empor! Krieger- und Heldentat Finden ihr Lorbeerblatt Treu aufgehoben dort, An deinem Thron! |
Commerce and science Hoist with courage and strength Their chief aloft. Warriors' and heroes' deeds Find their laurel leaves Faithfully preserved Upon thy throne! |
| 5. | Dauernder stets zu blüh'n Weh' unsre Flagge kühn Auf hoher See! Ha, wie so stolz und hehr Wirft über Land und Meer Weithin der deutsche Aar Flammenden Blick. |
Forever continuing to bloom Our flag may wave boldly On the high seas! Ha, how proud and majestic Casts over land and sea Widely the German eagle Its flaming gaze. |
| 6. | Sei, Kaiser Wilhelm, hier Lang' deines Volkes Zier, Der Menschheit Stolz! Fühl' in des Thrones Glanz, Die hohe Wonne ganz, Liebling des Volkes zu sein! Heil, Kaiser, dir! |
Be, emperor Wilhelm, here Thy people's ornament for many a year Humanity's pride! Feel in the throne's glow, The high ecstasy in full To be darling of thy people! Hail to thee, emperor! |
These lyrics were used for the reign of Kaiser Wilhelm II, German Emperor and King of Prussia. One of the jokes at the time was that the song's title be changed to "Heil Dir im Sonderzug" ("Hail to Thee in Thy Royal Train"), owing to the Kaiser's frequent travels.
| No anthem before |
Imperial anthem of Germany 1871-1918 |
Succeeded by Deutschlandlied as national anthem |