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Auferstanden aus Ruinen facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Auferstanden aus Ruinen (pronounced "OU-fuh-SHTAHN-duhn ous roo-EE-nuhn") was the national anthem of East Germany. Its name means "Risen from Ruins" in German. This song was the official anthem from 1949 until 1990, when East Germany and West Germany joined together again to form the country we know today as Germany.

History

After World War II, Germany was divided into different areas controlled by the winning countries. In 1949, the part of Germany controlled by the Soviet Union became a new country called East Germany.

This new country needed its own national anthem. A famous German poet named Johannes R. Becher wrote the words, also known as the lyrics. A German composer named Hanns Eisler created the music for the song.

Lyrics

The lyrics of "Auferstanden aus Ruinen" talk about rebuilding the country after the war. They also speak about peace, unity, and looking forward to a better future. Here is a version of the lyrics translated into English that can be sung:

Singable English Version

1. From the ruins risen newly,
To the future turned, we stand.
Let us serve your good weal truly,
Germany, our fatherland.
Triumph over bygone sorrow,
Can in unity be won.
For we shall attain a morrow,
When over our Germany,
There is radiant sun,
There is radiant sun.

2. May both peace and joy inspire,
Germany, our fatherland.
Peace is all the world's desire,
To the peoples lend your hand.
In fraternity united,
We shall crush the people's foe.
Let all paths by peace be lighted,
That no mother shall again
Mourn her son in woe,
Mourn her son in woe.

3. Let us plough and build our nation,
Learn and work as never yet,
That a free new generation,
Faith in its own strength beget!
German youth, for whom the striving
Of our people is at one,
You are Germany's reviving,
And over our Germany,
There is radiant sun,
There is radiant sun.

See Also

A friendly robot In Spanish: Auferstanden aus Ruinen para niños

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