The "Preußenlied" ("Song of Prussia," in German) served as the national anthem of the Kingdom of Prussia, from 1830 to 1840. Because of its opening lyrics, it has also been known as "Ich bin ein Preuße, kennt ihr meine Farben?" ("I am a Prussian, know ye my colours?").[1]

Preußenlied
English: Song of Prussia
Music sheet

Former national anthem of Prussia
LyricsBernard Thiersch, 1830
MusicAugust Neithardt, 1832
Adopted1830
Relinquished1840
Preceded byBorussia
Succeeded byHeil dir im Siegerkranz
Audio sample
Preußenlied (instrumental)

History

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Bernard Thiersch (1793–1855), the director of a Dortmund gymnasium, wrote the first six verses of the song in Halberstadt to honor the birthday of King Frederick William III of Prussia in 1830. The melody was composed in 1832 by August Neithardt (1793–1861), the Royal Music Director of the 2nd Garde-Grenadier-Regiment of the Prussian Army. The sixth verse alluded to the 1848 Battle of Dybbøl during the First Schleswig War. Dr. F. Th. Schneider added the seventh verse in 1851.[2]

The "Preußenlied" replaced the previous anthem, "Borussia", and was then succeeded by "Heil dir im Siegerkranz".

Because almost all Germans east of the Oder were expelled after World War II, the "Preußenlied" is sometimes sung by refugee organizations, such as the Territorial Association of East Prussia. It almost always has nationalistic undertones.

 

Lyrics

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References

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  1. ^ Lilian Dalbiac. Dictionary of Quotations (German). Swan Sonnenschein. New York. 1906. p. 196.
  2. ^ Der Klavierlehrer 17 (1894), S. 158.
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