Hymne an Deutschland

The Hymne an Deutschland (Hymn to Germany) is a patriotic song which the then President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Theodor Heuss, aspired to establish as the new national anthem of Germany.

Its lyrics were written by Rudolf Alexander Schröder in 1950. Hermann Reutter composed its tune after Carl Orff, whom Heuss wanted to have as composer, had rejected the request and suggested Reutter instead. Heuss’ attempts failed, and in 1952 he and Chancellor Adenauer recognized the Deutschlandlied as the new national anthem.