The "Preußenlied" (literally "Song of Prussia" in German) was a national anthem of the Kingdom of Prussia from 1830 to 1840. Because of its opening lyrics, it has also been known as "Ich bin ein Preuße, kennt ihr meine Farben?" ("I am a Prussian, know ye my colours?").
History
Bernhard Thiersch (1793–1855), the director of a Dortmund Gymnasium, wrote the first six verses of the song in Halberstadt to honor the birthday of King Frederick William III of Prussia in 1830. The melody was composed in 1832 by August Neithardt (1793–1861), the Royal Music Director of the 2nd Garde-Grenadier-Regiment of the Prussian Army. Dr. F. Th. Schneider added a seventh verse in 1851.
The "Preußenlied" replaced the previous anthem, "Borussia" and was then succeeded by "Heil dir im Siegerkranz".
Because almost all Germans east of the Oder were expelled after World War II, the "Preußenlied" is sometimes sung by refugee organizations, such as the Territorial Association of East Prussia.