Der er et yndigt land
"Der er et yndigt land" (Danish pronunciation: [tɛɐ̯ ˈɛɐ̯ e̝t ˈøntit ˈlænˀ, tɑ -]), commonly translated into English as "There is a lovely country", is one of the national anthems of Denmark.
English: There is a Lovely Land | |
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National anthem of ![]() | |
Lyrics | Adam Oehlenschläger, 1819 |
Music | Hans Ernst Krøyer, 1835 |
Adopted | 1835 |
Audio sample | |
Der er et yndigt land (Instrumental)
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History
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The lyrics were written in 1819 by Adam Oehlenschläger and bore the motto in Latin: Ille terrarum mihi praeter omnes angulus ridet (Horace: "This corner of the earth smiles for me more than any other"). The music was composed in 1835 by Hans Ernst Krøyer. Later, Thomas Laub and Carl Nielsen each composed alternative melodies, but neither of them has gained widespread adoption, and today they are mostly unknown to the general population.
When first published, the national anthem had 12 verses, but this was shortened to the first, third, fifth, and last verse in later editions. In common use, only the first verse (or stanza) and the last three lines of the fourth verse are sung. The first half of the last verse is rarely heard and the last line of each verse is repeated once.
Denmark is one of only two countries in the world—the other being New Zealand—with two official national anthems. Officially, Kong Christian stod ved højen mast is both a national and a royal anthem; it has equal status with Der er et yndigt land, which is treated as the civil national anthem.[1] On royal and military occasions, Kong Christian is performed alone, or the two national anthems are played together.[2]
Music
Lyrics
Danish | IPA transcription | Free metrical translation | Literal translation |
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Der er et yndigt land, Det bugter sig i bakke, dal,
Så drog de frem til fjenders mén,
Og ædle kvinder, skønne møer
Vort gamle Danmark skal bestå, |
[tɛɐ̯ ˈɛɐ̯ e̝t ˈøntit ˈlænˀ] |
There is a lovely land Its hills and valleys gently fall,
Then they went forth the foe to face,
Strong men and noble women still
Our ancient Denmark shall remain, |
There is a lovely country |
References
- "Not one but two national anthems". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. Retrieved 19 May 2014.
- Udenrigsministeriet (6 August 2001). "Instruks for Udenrigstjenesten". Retsinformation. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
External links
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Wikisource has original text related to this article: |
- Denmark: Der er et yndigt land - Audio of the national anthem of Denmark, with information and lyrics
- Aarhus Universitet - original lyrics by Oehlenschläger