Hoffmann von Fallersleben facts for kids
August Heinrich Hoffmann (born April 2, 1798, died January 19, 1874) was a famous German poet. He is often known by his pen name, Hoffmann von Fallersleben. He is most famous for writing the words to "Das Lied der Deutschen", which is now the national anthem of Germany. He also wrote many popular songs for children.
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Who Was Hoffmann von Fallersleben?
August Heinrich Hoffmann was born in a town called Fallersleben, which is now part of Wolfsburg, Germany. He was a very smart student and went to several universities. He studied many subjects, including German language, literature, and history.
Early Life and Education
Hoffmann started his studies at the University of Göttingen and later went to the University of Bonn. He became a professor at the University of Breslau (which is now in Poland) in 1823. He loved to study old German writings and folk songs.
His Work as a Poet
Hoffmann von Fallersleben wrote many poems throughout his life. He was known for his love of the German language and its history. He also wrote many simple and fun songs for children. These songs are still sung in Germany today.
The German National Anthem
Hoffmann von Fallersleben wrote "Das Lied der Deutschen" (The Song of the Germans) in 1841. At that time, Germany was not one united country. It was made up of many smaller states. The song was meant to express a wish for a united and free Germany.
Why the Song Was Important
The song became very popular among people who wanted Germany to be a single country. It talked about unity, justice, and freedom. These ideas were very important during a time when people were hoping for big changes in Germany.
Becoming the National Anthem
After many years, the third verse of "Das Lied der Deutschen" became the national anthem of Germany. This verse focuses on "unity and justice and freedom." It is a symbol of the German nation and its values.
Children's Songs
Besides the national anthem, Hoffmann von Fallersleben wrote many beloved children's songs. These songs are simple, catchy, and often about nature or everyday life. They are still taught in schools and sung by families in Germany.
- Some of his famous children's songs include:
- "Alle Vögel sind schon da" (All the Birds Are Already Here)
- "Ein Männlein steht im Walde" (A Little Man Stands in the Forest)
- "Summ, summ, summ" (Hum, Hum, Hum)
These songs show his gentle and playful side. They have brought joy to many generations of German children.
Later Life and Legacy
Hoffmann von Fallersleben faced some difficulties in his life because of his political views. He believed in freedom and a united Germany, which was not always popular with the rulers of the time. He lost his job as a professor for a while.
Despite these challenges, he continued to write and collect old German texts. He died in 1874, leaving behind a rich collection of poems, songs, and scholarly works. His legacy lives on through the German national anthem and his timeless children's songs.
Images for kids
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Carte de visite of Hoffmann, card no. "1324" by an unidentified photographer with crown over the letter "P", about 1860
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August Henrich Hoffmann by Carl Georg Christian Schumacher (1819)
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House in Alt-Wolfsburg where von Fallersleben was staying with his friend David Lochte in 1848 before the revolution
