hymn / anthem
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hymn / anthem
A solemn song of praise or reverence, especially the official song of a country (national anthem).
Vor dem Länderspiel sangen die Fans die Nationalhymne.
Before the international match, the fans sang the national anthem.
hymn / praise
In a figurative sense, an expression of enthusiastic excitement or exuberant praise for someone or something.
Der Filmkritiker schrieb eine wahre Hymne auf die Leistung der Hauptdarstellerin.
The film critic wrote a true hymn of praise to the lead actress's performance.
In connection with a solemn song, 'Hymne' (hymn/anthem) is often combined with verbs such as 'singen' (to sing), 'spielen' (to play), or 'erklingen' (to resound). The most common compound is 'die Nationalhymne' (the national anthem).
Vor dem Fußballspiel wurde die deutsche Nationalhymne gespielt.
Before the football match, the German national anthem was played.
In the figurative sense, 'Hymne' (hymn/praise) often takes the preposition 'auf' with the accusative to say what or who is being praised. Typical verbs are 'singen' (to sing), 'schreiben' (to write), or 'anstimmen' (to strike up).
Die Kritikerin stimmte eine Hymne auf den neuen Roman an.
The critic struck up a hymn of praise to the new novel.
You can recognize the literal meaning from contexts involving music, nations, or religion (e.g., 'Nationalhymne' (national anthem), 'singen' (to sing)). The figurative meaning as 'great praise' is often found in reviews or speeches, frequently in the phrase 'eine Hymne auf etwas' (a hymn to something).
Die Fans sangen die Hymne ihres Vereins.
The fans sang their club's anthem.
psalm
Hymne and Psalm can both be solemn religious songs. Hymne is more general and can also refer to an official song, such as a country's anthem, or to a solemn song of praise. A Psalm, on the other hand, is a religious song or prayer, especially one from the biblical Book of Psalms. Use Psalm when referring to this biblical context.
Die Gemeinde sang eine feierliche Hymne zum Abschluss des Gottesdienstes.
The congregation sang a solemn hymn at the end of the service.
Die Gemeinde las einen Psalm aus dem Alten Testament.
The congregation read a psalm from the Old Testament.
