Heil dir im Siegerkranz

"Heil dir im Siegerkranz" (pronounced [ˈhaɪ̯l diːɐ̯ ʔɪm ˈziːɡɐkʁant͡s]; German for "Hail to Thee in the Victor's Crown", literally: "Hail to Thee in the Victor's Wreath") was the official national anthem of the German Empire from 1871 to 1919 officially and 1918 unofficially.^[1]

Flag of Germany (1867-1918).

Heil dir im Siegerkranz

English: Hail to Thee in the Victor's Crown
Poster with Lyrics of Heil dir im Siegerkranz, 1900.
Imperial/Royal anthem of Germany, Prussia
Lyrics	Heinrich Harries, 1790
Music	unknown
Adopted	1795 (as royal anthem of Prussia) 1871 (as unofficial anthem of German Empire)
Relinquished	1918
Audio sample
Heil Dir Im Siegerkranz, recording before 1917 file help

History

Before the foundation of the Empire in 1871, it had been the royal anthem of Prussia since 1795 and remained it after 1871.^[2] The melody of the hymn derived from the British anthem "God Save the King", but it also was never recognized by the southern German states, such as Bavaria and Württemberg.^[3] After World War I, the German Empire came to an end and "Das Lied der Deutschen" became the national anthem of the Weimar Republic.^[4]

Lyrics

Lyrics, 1843.

I. 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!𝄇 II. Nicht Roß und Reisige Sichern die steile Höh’, Wo Fürsten steh’n: 𝄆Liebe des Vaterlands, Liebe des freien Manns Gründen den Herrschers Thron Wie Fels im Meer.𝄇 III. Heilige Flamme, glüh’, Glüh’ und erlösche nie Für’s Vaterland! 𝄆Wir alle stehen dann Mutig für einen Mann, Kämpfen und bluten gern Für Thron und Reich!𝄇 IV. Handlung und Wissenschaft Hebe mit Mut und Kraft Ihr Haupt empor! 𝄆Krieger und Heldenthat Finde ihr Lorbeerblatt Treu aufgehoben dort, An deinem Thron!𝄇 V. Sei, Kaiser Wilhelm, hier Lang deines Volkes Zier, Der Menschheit Stolz! 𝄆Fühl' in des Thrones Glanz, Die hohe Wonne ganz, Liebling des Volks zu sein! Heil, Kaiser, dir!𝄇[5]

I. Hail to thee in victor’s crown, Ruler of the fatherland! Hail, Emperor, to you. 𝄆Feel in the splendour of the throne fully the highest joy: To be the favourite of the people! Hail, Emperor, to you.𝄇 II. Neither steed nor mounted knight Can secure the towering height, where princes stand: 𝄆Love of the fatherland, Love of the free man founds the sovereign’s throne like a rock in the sea.𝄇 III. Holy flame, glow glow and never extinct for the fatherland! 𝄆We all will stand then courageous for one man, fight and bleed with joy for throne and empire!𝄇 IV. Commerce and science, may rise upwards their head with courage and power! 𝄆Warrior and heroes’ deeds may find their laurels of fame faithfully preserved on your throne!𝄇 V. Our emperor Wilhelm, is here, a long time your people’s glory, the pride of mankind! 𝄆Feel in the splendour of the throne fully the highest joy: To be the favourite of the people! Hail, Emperor, to you.𝄇