Anthem [German translation]

If I were from Rome or Napoli

I would have my choice of girls

As a Frenchman I would happily

Show my coolness to the world

Being Brit or being Spanish

These both are, or once were, great

But it’s better to drop my fantasies

I just cannot escape my Fate

So I must accept and recognise

That I am stuck with my German state

I’m not German just by wishing it

Nor because it’s just a name

Being German means self-censure

Consequence of former shame

Nazi infamy lingers endlessly

Blame is still a heavy weight

If I praise my country loudly

Will you imprison me and lock the gates?

I’ll stay home and stick to baking

To live a quiet life, domesticate

But I don’t complain or criticise

Germany is quite OK

Your opinions can be exercised

Freedom circulates this way

Nowhere can produce better wholemeal bread

We’re on time and we are new

We have mountains, lakes and waters

Four World Cups and the best beer too

Blossom into the light of excellence

My dear homeland, I honour you