die
Hymne
🎶 What Exactly is a Hymne?
Die Hymne (feminine noun, plural: die Hymnen) refers to a solemn song or chant, often used for praise or honour. There are two main meanings:
- Nationalhymne (National Anthem): A song representing a country or nation, played and sung on official occasions (e.g., the German national anthem).
- Religious Hymn / Church Song (Kirchenlied): A solemn song in a religious context, often praising God (e.g., a chorale in church).
It's always a song with a serious, sublime character. ⚠️ Note: Not every ceremonial song is automatically a Hymne in the strict sense.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Hymne
The word "Hymne" is a feminine noun. The article is die.
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Hymne | eine Hymne |
| Genitive | der Hymne | einer Hymne |
| Dative | der Hymne | einer Hymne |
| Accusative | die Hymne | eine Hymne |
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Hymnen | Hymnen |
| Genitive | der Hymnen | Hymnen |
| Dative | den Hymnen | Hymnen |
| Accusative | die Hymnen | Hymnen |
📝 Example Sentences
- Vor dem Fußballspiel wurde die Hymne gesungen.
(The anthem was sung before the football match.) - Der Text der Hymne ist sehr patriotisch.
(The lyrics of the anthem are very patriotic.) - Wir lauschten andächtig der Hymne.
(We listened devoutly to the anthem.) - In der Kirche sangen wir viele alte Hymnen.
(In church, we sang many old hymns.)
🗣️ How to Use "Hymne"?
The term "Hymne" is mostly used in formal or solemn contexts:
- Offizielle Anlässe (Official occasions): State visits, award ceremonies at sporting events (Nationalhymne).
- Religiöse Zeremonien (Religious ceremonies): Church services, religious holidays (Kirchenlied, Choral).
- Übertragene Bedeutung (Figurative meaning): Sometimes the word is used metaphorically for an enthusiastic song of praise for someone or something (e.g., "eine Hymne auf die Freiheit" - a hymn to freedom).
Difference from "Lied": While "Lied" is a general term for any sung piece of music, "Hymne" specifically refers to a solemn, often official or religious song with a sublime character.
🧠 Mnemonics for Hymne
Article Mnemonic: Think of die Feierlichkeit (the solemnity) or die Nation (the nation) – concepts associated with a Hymne that are grammatically feminine in German. The melody (die Melodie) of a Hymne is often sublime.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine singing at an award ceremony – you hear die Hymne and think: "This sounds so solemn, almost like singing to 'him' (like God in church)". The 'him' in 'hymn' can remind you of the solemnity.
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Lobgesang: A song of praise, often religious.
- Nationalhymne: Specifically, the anthem of a country.
- Kirchenlied: A song for church service.
- Choral: A unison or multi-part church hymn.
- Preislied: A song praising someone or something.
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
- A direct antonym is difficult. Depending on the context, one might consider Spottlied (mocking song) or Klagelied (lament), which have an opposite character.
Similar but different words:
- Hymen: The hymen (medical term) – sounds similar, but has a completely different meaning! 🚨
😄 A Little Joke
Der Musiklehrer fragt: „Fritzchen, kannst du mir sagen, was eine Hymne ist?“
Fritzchen überlegt: „Ist das nicht das, was man singt, bevor der Schiedsrichter das Spiel verhymnelt?“
(Translation: The music teacher asks: "Fritzchen, can you tell me what a hymn/anthem is?"
Fritzchen thinks: "Isn't that what you sing before the referee ruins ['verhymnelt' - a made-up word playing on 'Hymne' and 'verhunzen' - to botch/ruin] the game?")
📜 Poem about the Hymne
Die Hymne klingt, ein stolzer Ton,
Für Land, für Glauben, für den Thron.
Ein Lied, das Herzen tief bewegt,
In dem Gemeinschaft Stärke hegt.
Ob Sportplatz oder Kirchenraum,
Die Hymne weckt den alten Traum.
(Translation:
The anthem sounds, a proud tone,
For country, for faith, for the throne.
A song that deeply moves hearts,
In which community fosters strength.
Whether sports field or church space,
The anthem awakens the old dream.)
🧩 Little Riddle
Ich bin ein Lied, doch nicht zum Tanzen,
Begleite Flaggen, Kränze, Lanzen.
Mal für ein Land, mal für den Herrn,
Man hört mich feierlich und gern.
Was bin ich?
... Die Hymne
(Translation:
I am a song, but not for dancing,
I accompany flags, wreaths, lances.
Sometimes for a country, sometimes for the Lord,
I am heard solemnly and gladly.
What am I?
... The Hymn/Anthem (Die Hymne))
💡 Other Information
Wortherkunft (Word Origin): The word "Hymne" comes from the Greek word hýmnos (ὕμνος), meaning "song of praise". It entered the German language via the Latin hymnus.
Bekannte Hymnen (Famous Anthems/Hymns): Besides national anthems like the "Deutschlandlied" (German anthem), there are famous hymns like the "Ode to Joy" (European anthem) or well-known church hymns.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Hymne?
The German word Hymne is feminine. The correct article is die: die Hymne.