1952 the german President and the Chancellor agreed that only the third stanza of the national anthem should be used on official occasions. Then 1991, after Germany's reunification, the third stanza was officially declared national anthem. The words are actually quite fitting: "Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit" (unity and justice and freedom). Today, only some very old and stubborn war veterans and, of course, the despicable neo-nazis still hold on to the first stanza that is a testimony of former German megalomania, invoking a "Reich" that covers half of Europe.
As to the discussion about footballers singing the anthem or not, who cares? They are supposed to play football. Besides, the Haydn-music is beautiful all by itself and doesnt need a text.
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2012-06-21 06:05 am (UTC)As to the discussion about footballers singing the anthem or not, who cares? They are supposed to play football. Besides, the Haydn-music is beautiful all by itself and doesnt need a text.