Die Gedanken sind frei,
my thoughts freely flower.
Die Gedanken sind frei,
my thoughts give me power.
No scholar can map them.
No hunter can trap them.
No man can deny
die Gedanken sind frei.
No man can deny
die Gedanken sind frei.
I think as I please
and this gives me pleasure.
My conscience decrees
this right I must treasure.
My thoughts will not cater
to duke or dictator.
No man can deny
die Gedanken sind frei.
No man can deny
die Gedanken sind frei.
And should tyrants take me
and throw me in prison,
my thoughts will burst free
like blossoms in season.
Foundations will crumble
and structures will tumble
and free men will cry:
"Die Gedanken sind frei!"
And free men will cry:
"Die Gedanken sind frei!"