Why Are the First and Second Stanzas of the German National Anthem No Longer Sung?
The German National Anthem has evolved over time, with specific changes made to the lyrics sung in official contexts. Originally, all four stanzas of the anthem were used, but today only the third stanza is commonly sung. This shift reflects a broader effort to distance the country from its militaristic past and promote a more democratic and peaceful identity.
Historical Context
During the early 20th century, the first two stanzas of the German National Anthem were associated with strong nationalist and militaristic sentiments, particularly during the Nazi era. The first stanza references the aspirations of a "Greater Germany," where the borders stretched beyond today's national boundaries, encompassing parts of current-day Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Lithuania, and Austria. The second stanza includes motifs that were co-opted by the Nazis to support their ideology, such as the Horst Wessel Lied, which was one of their most popular songs.
Post-World War II Shift
After World War II, the decision to use only the third stanza was part of a broader effort to move away from a militaristic past and promote a more democratic and peaceful national identity. This choice is emblematic of Germany's commitment to reconciliation and an inclusive sense of national belonging. The third stanza now focuses on the themes of unity, justice, and freedom, as described in the lines: "Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit/Für das deutsche Vaterland," which translate to "Unity and Right and Freedom/For the German fatherland."
Emotional and Historical Relevance
The first stanza is particularly seen as embodying a concept of "Germany" that no longer exists. The phrase "Von der Maas bis an die Memel/Von der Etsch bis an den Belt" (from the Meuse to the Memel, from the Adige to the Beta) refers to a Germany that once extended well beyond its current borders. Today, the good people of Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Lithuania, and Austria would likely prefer to keep the German border within its current boundaries.
The Horst Wessel Lied was often played alongside the first stanza at official events during the Nazi era, making it a symbol of the regime. Its adoption would be seen as inappropriate, given the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime during World War II.
While the second stanza does not contain explicit objections, its use as part of an official symbol of West Germany before the reunification was still controversial. Given the country's post-war division, it made more sense for West Germany to focus on unity, justice, and freedom in its national anthem, as represented by the third stanza.
This evolution in the German National Anthem underscores the ongoing process of national reconciliation and the development of a more inclusive and democratic German identity in the post-World War II era.