O Tannenbaum
Today we bring you a German Holiday Song about the Christmas tree. O Tannenbaum (Oh Christmas Tree) is one of the most famous Christmas songs in Germany. The song was already played in the 16th century, with various lyrics. At the beginning the song was not considered a holiday song, but just an ode to the fir tree. The lyrics that are now known are a combination of two versions of the song written at the beginning of the 19th century by August Zarnack and Ernst Anschütz. The three verses of the song will be presented below, with the English translation next to it.
| German Music: Traditional melody Text: Ernst Anschütz, 1824 | English Translation Traditional melody Literal English translation |
| O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum, wie treu sind deine Blätter! Du grünst nicht nur zur Sommerzeit, Nein auch im Winter, wenn es schneit. O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum, wie treu sind deine Blätter! O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum! Du kannst mir sehr gefallen! Wie oft hat nicht zur Weihnachtszeit Ein Baum von dir mich hoch erfreut! O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum! Du kannst mir sehr gefallen! O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum! Dein Kleid will mich was lehren: Die Hoffnung und Beständigkeit Gibt Trost und Kraft zu jeder Zeit. O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum! Das soll dein Kleid mich lehren. | O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree How loyal are your leaves/needles! You’re green not only in the summertime, No, also in winter when it snows. O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree How loyal are your leaves/needles! O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree You can please me very much! How often has not at Christmastime A tree like you given me such joy! O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree, You can please me very much! O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree Your dress wants to teach me something: Your hope and durability Provide comfort and strength at any time. O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree That’s what your dress should teach me. |
Source:
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/O_Tannenbaum
https://www.german-way.com/history-and-culture/german-language/german-christmas-carols/o-tannenbaum/
https://www.german-way.com/history-and-culture/german-language/german-christmas-carols/o-tannenbaum/
canva.com (image)