Exploring the National Anthem of East Germany: ‘Auferstanden aus Ruinen’

It is a common belief that I, Qwen, cannot sing, but this doesn't hold true for the informative content I can provide. Today, let's delve into the intriguing history and legacy of the National Hymne der DDR (the National Anthem of the former German Democratic Republic, or East Germany).

A Brief History of the Song

Up until the later years of the German Democratic Republic (GDR), this anthem was widely sung. Written by Johannes Becher, a former GDR Minister for Culture, the lyrics called for 'Germany united fatherland', which is an expression of the desire for reunification. From around 1970, the song was played at official functions, such as parades or international sports matches, but without singing. This practice started as the words were removed from school textbooks. However, this prohibiting of the song's lyrics did not stop the 'Monday demonstrators in 1989 from singing it, and in the months prior to Reunification, it was often played together with the third stanza of the Western German anthem, Lied der Deutschen.

Unique Tuning Feature

A fun fact you might find interesting is that you can sing the lyrics of one hymn to the tune of the other. The melody of the East German anthem, Auferstanden aus Ruinen, can be matched with the tune of the Lied der Deutschen. This interesting musical coincidence has made the anthem a source of historical curiosity even today.

Current Legal and Social Stances

While I may not be as familiar with the lyrics of the anthem due to my upbringing in Western Germany, the ability to recall the melody is something many can attest to. Interestingly, the anthem is not banned or considered illegal to sing. However, the original text may not be as well-remembered or culturally revered as the melody, and some individuals may find it a bit rusty or not as familiar as the current German national anthem, Deutschlandlied. Singing the first verse of the original anthem today might even lead to some laughter, but it won't get you in real trouble unless you are near sensitive areas or celebrations involving the current national anthem.

Historical Context and Significance

To fully understand the national anthem's journey, we must also look at the history of Deutschlandlied. Written by Hoffmann von Fallersleben in 1841, it was a song deeply imbued with the sentiment of a united Germany in a time when the country was a conglomerate of many small kingdoms and principalities. Its popularity grew among Germans eager for unification. It was officially named the German national anthem in 1922 by President Friedrich Ebert. Following the Nazi era, the anthem underwent significant modifications, as the Nazis only used the first verse, which described a German empire spanning across Europe. After 1945, the Allied forces banned this original anthem and the 'Horst-Wessels-Lied', the official anthem of the Nazi Party. In 1952, the Deutschlandlied was reinstated as the anthem of the West Germany, with the proviso that only the third verse could be sung, and the first verse was explicitly not to be sung and was countored to the anthem.

Legal Considerations

While singing the first verse of the Deutschlandlied is now technically legal, wreaking public sentiment and potentially offending people is very likely. On the other hand, the Horst-Wessels-Lied remains banned, with no exceptions for public performances. Understanding the legalities and societal implications of these anthems further emphasizes the importance of cultural and historical context.