Nazi-era verse of German anthem played at firefighters’ championship

A national scandal erupted during the opening ceremony of the firefighters' championship in the German city of Torgau after the first stanza of the "Song of the Germans" — associated with Nazi Germany — was played instead of the country’s official national anthem.

The controversial verse, which begins with the words “Germany, Germany above all,” was used during the Nazi era and is often exploited today by far-right extremists for propaganda purposes. While not banned under German law, the first and second stanzas of the anthem are no longer in official use, Caliber.Az reports via Bild. 

Germany’s national anthem has, since the post-war period, consisted solely of the third stanza of the “Song of the Germans,” penned in 1841 by August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben. The official version begins with the words “Unity, justice, and freedom,” reflecting democratic values and the postwar constitutional order.

“We are distancing ourselves from this with all clarity. Ideas that are not in harmony with the basic order of free democracy have no place in our ranks,” said Hermann Schreck, Vice President of the German Association of Fire Brigades.

According to the organisation, the person responsible for the musical selection — a representative of the association — was immediately relieved of their duties.

By Sabina Mammadli