die  Nationalhymne

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/nat͡si̯oˈnaːlˌhʏmnə/

🎶 What exactly is a Nationalhymne?

Die Nationalhymne is the official song of a state or nation, played or sung on ceremonial occasions, state receptions, international sports events, and other official functions. It serves as a musical symbol of national identity and unity.

In German, the word is always feminine: die Nationalhymne. There are no other articles for this word.

The German national anthem is "Das Lied der Deutschen", of which only the third stanza is sung today.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📜 Grammar in Rhythm: Declension of Nationalhymne

The word Nationalhymne is a feminine noun. The article is always die.

Here is the declension:

Example Sentences

1. Vor dem Fußballspiel wurde die Nationalhymne gespielt.
   (The national anthem was played before the football match.)
2. Der Text der Nationalhymne ist manchmal schwer zu verstehen.
   (The lyrics of the national anthem are sometimes difficult to understand.)
3. Die Sportler lauschten andächtig der Nationalhymne.
   (The athletes listened devoutly to the national anthem.)
4. Jeder im Stadion sang die Nationalhymne mit.
   (Everyone in the stadium sang along to the national anthem.)
5. Viele Länder haben sehr alte Nationalhymnen.
   (Many countries have very old national anthems.)

🌍 When and Where: Using the Nationalhymne

Die Nationalhymne is used in specific, mostly solemn or official contexts:

• State occasions: During state visits, official ceremonies, memorial days.
• Sporting events: Especially at international competitions like World Cups or the Olympics, before matches involving national teams.
• Military ceremonies: At flag parades or official military events.
• School events: In some countries as part of the morning ritual or at special school celebrations.

It symbolizes pride, belonging, and respect towards one's country. The expected behaviour while it is played (e.g., standing up, remaining silent) is often governed by conventions or even laws.

💡 Mnemonic for 'die Nationalhymne'

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'die Nation' (the nation, feminine) or 'die Melodie' (the melody, feminine). An anthem is a type of melody for the nation, so it's die Nationalhymne.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine at a big sports event, everyone stands up for 'the one' important tune – the song of the 'Nation'. That's die Nationalhymne.

🔄 Similar and Different: Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Risk of Confusion

• Die Hymne: A general term for a solemn song of praise or celebration, not necessarily national (hymn).

😄 A Little Joke

Warum summen Fußballspieler die Nationalhymne nur?
Weil sie Angst haben, den Text zu vergessen und dann eine gelbe Karte für Unsportlichkeit zu bekommen! 😉

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Why do football players only hum the national anthem?
Because they're afraid of forgetting the lyrics and getting a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct! 😉

🎼 A Little Poem

Klänge für das ganze Land,
von Herz zu Herz, von Hand zu Hand.
Bei Sieg und Feier stolz gespielt,
die Nationalhymne, die uns eint und stillt.

---
Sounds for the whole country,
from heart to heart, from hand to hand.
Played proudly in victory and celebration,
the national anthem, that unites and soothes us.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Lied, doch nicht zum Tanzen da.
Man spielt mich feierlich, oft Jahr für Jahr.
Für Sportler, Präsidenten, groß und klein,
steh ich als Symbol fürs Vaterland allein.

Was bin ich?

Lösung: die Nationalhymne

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I am a song, but not for dancing.
I'm played solemnly, often year after year.
For athletes, presidents, great and small,
I stand alone as a symbol for the fatherland.

What am I?

Solution: the national anthem (die Nationalhymne)

📌 Other Information

Word Composition: The word Nationalhymne is composed of:

• National: Relating to the nation, people, or state.
• Hymne: A solemn song of praise or adoration (hymn).

Interesting Fact: The melody of the German national anthem comes from Joseph Haydn (originally composed as an imperial anthem for the Austrian Emperor), the lyrics of the third stanza from August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben.