what is the true meaning of the line: Deutschland über alles?

[Zebra]

i think this is worth a poll, as it is so often misunderstood ….

it is not forbidden, as some think

but it is hardly ever sung any more

 

[Zebra]

the second answer is the correct answer …..

 

[Zebra]

many germans dont know the correct answer either ….

 

[Zebra]

that anthem was written in time when Germany was not a country, but s collection of small countries ….

 

[DudleySmith]

Many probably don't know it was Napoleon's goal to unify Germany and set it on its way to nationhood.

The Confederation of the Rhine - Growth of nationalism in Germany, 1815-1850 - Higher History Revision - BBC Bitesize

For Higher History, discover why nationalistic feeling began to grown amongst people living in the German states.

www.bbc.co.uk

Growth of nationalism in Germany, 1815-1850 The Confederation of the Rhine​

...

French Emperor Napoleon’s forces were strong enough to conquer and control the whole of mainland Europe, including the numerous German states.
Napoleon reorganised Germany into 39 larger states. He also established the Confederation of the Rhine, a league of 16 German states. This brought further unification to Germany.
Napoleon was defeated firstly at Leipzig in 1813 and then at Waterloo in 1815, bringing an end to the Confederation of Rhine.

 

[DudleySmith]

i think this is worth a poll, as it is so often misunderstood ….

it is not forbidden, as some think

but it is hardly ever sung any more

I don't understand why, it had nothing to do with Hitler; Germans have no more reason for guilt than any other European power has. they need to get over it.

 

[Zebra]

I don't understand why, it had nothing to do with Hitler

you are right!

but not many know that ….

 

[Zebra]

the line does not mean … Deutschland über England usw usw ….

sondern: Deutschland über Bayern und Preußen usw usw …

 

[DGS49]

Is it possible that every single German singing the song has his own concept of what it means? Compare it to the Civil War in America. There were many different motivations for Confederate officers and soldiers. Most of the foot soldiers thought they were fighting against Northern domination, and really had no skin in the slavery game.

 

[Zebra]

Is it possible that every single German singing the song has his own concept of what it means?

could be …….

 

[Zebra]

btw …..


written in 1841 on the island of Heligoland, which was British then ….

 

[Zebra]

written by hoffmann von fallersleben …

 

[Zebra]

now we officially only sing the third line ….


einigkeit und recht und freiheit …….

 

[Grau]

many germans dont know the correct answer either ….

Even Wikipedia got it wrong so you can see why so many people confuse an appeal for unity with a call of national superiority.

 

[Zebra]

Even Wikipedia got it wrong so you can see why so many people confuse an appeal for unity with a call of national superiority.

i will have a look at Wiki now ….

 

[Captain Caveman]

i think this is worth a poll, as it is so often misunderstood ….

it is not forbidden, as some think

but it is hardly ever sung any more

Deutschland, Deutschland über alles,
über alles in der Welt,
Wenn es stets zu Schutz und Trutze
brüderlich zusammen hält,
Von der Maas bis an die Memel,
von der Etsch bis an den [Little] Belt,
Deutschland, Deutschland über alles,
über alles in der Welt!

Germany, Germany above all,
above all else in the world,
When it steadfastly holds together,
offensively and defensively,
with brotherhood.
From the Maas to the Memel,
from the Etsch to the [Little] Belt,
Germany, Germany above all,
above all else in the world.

Deutschlandlied | History, Lyrics, Meaning, & Facts

Deutschlandlied, official national anthem of Germany from 1922 to 1945, of West Germany from 1950 to 1990, and of reunified Germany from 1990. The tune of the German national anthem was composed in 1796 by Austrian Joseph Haydn and was first performed in 1797 for the birthday of Holy Roman...

www.britannica.com

 

[Zebra]

Maas
Memel
Etsch
Belt


i wonder if many Germans know where these are ….

 

[Captain Caveman]

Maas
Memel
Etsch
Belt


i wonder if many Germans know where these are ….

Things in songs tend to be people and regions.

That's my guess, lol

 

[Zebra]

Deutschland

Deutschlandlied | History, Lyrics, Meaning, & Facts

Deutschlandlied, official national anthem of Germany from 1922 to 1945, of West Germany from 1950 to 1990, and of reunified Germany from 1990. The tune of the German national anthem was composed in 1796 by Austrian Joseph Haydn and was first performed in 1797 for the birthday of Holy Roman...

www.britannica.com

thanx for the link!

 

[The Sage of Main Street]

i think this is worth a poll, as it is so often misunderstood ….

it is not forbidden, as some think

but it is hardly ever sung any more

(A taxi driver named)Dutch Landed (His) Uber (in an) Alley