🇩🇪 Das Lied der Deutschen 🇩🇪 | National Anthem of Germany 🇩🇪

The German national anthem is "Das Lied der Deutschen" (The Song of the Germans), with only the third stanza of the original poem serving as the official anthem today. The music was composed by Joseph Haydn in 1797, originally written for the Austrian Emperor, while the lyrics were penned by August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben in 1841. ​The anthem's modern identity is defined strictly by its third stanza, which emphasizes "Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit" (Unity and Justice and Freedom). These core principles are celebrated as the foundation for national happiness and prosperity. By focusing entirely on these democratic values, the anthem serves as a pledge to a unified and free society. ​Historically, the song has undergone significant and controversial transformations. During the Weimar Republic, all three stanzas were adopted as the national anthem, but during the Nazi regime, only the first stanza ("Deutschland, Deutschland über alles") was sung, heavily recontextualized as an expression of aggressive nationalism and expansionism. ​Because of this wartime misuse, the first two stanzas became deeply problematic and were permanently dropped following World War II. When Germany was reunited in 1991, the third stanza was officially designated as the sole national anthem of the Federal Republic of Germany, explicitly separating the modern nation from its imperial and fascist pasts. ​Today, the anthem is performed at official state ceremonies, sporting events, and diplomatic functions to symbolize a democratic and peaceful Germany. It remains a powerful cultural touchstone that reflects both the complexities of German history and the country's enduring commitment to constitutional law and European integration. #nationalanthem #germany #national #anthem #deutschland