Heil dir im Siegerkranz
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Heil dir im Siegerkranz was from 1871 to 1918 the unofficial national anthem of the German Empire.
The melody was the same as that of the British anthem God Save the King, and it was for this reason not well-regarded in nationalist circles. Prior to German unification in 1870, Heil dir im Siegerkranz had been the Prussian anthem after the unification, and as such it was deemed not acceptable as the official national hymn by the southern German states (e.g. Bavaria, Württemberg). It was replaced as the national anthem by Das Lied der Deutschen during the Weimar Republic.
Another contemporary song which had the status of a national anthem was Die Wacht am Rhein (The Watch on the Rhine).
[edit] Lyrics
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 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 Thine chief aloft. Warriors' and heroes' deeds Find thine laurel leaves Loyally 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! |
[edit] See also
- My Country, 'Tis of Thee
- Oben am jungen Rhein (national anthem of Liechtenstein, also sung to the melody of God Save the King)
