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.
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.
song
'das Lied' and 'die Hymne' can both be sung pieces of music with lyrics. 'Lied' is the normal, general word for a piece of music meant to be sung. 'Hymne' is more special and solemn. It often praises someone or something, or it is the official song of a country, for example a national anthem. The words can be confused because every 'Hymne' can also be a 'Lied'. But not every 'Lied' is a 'Hymne'. For ordinary music, you say 'Lied'; for solemn or official music, 'Hymne' is more likely to fit.
Vor dem Spiel haben alle Spieler die Hymne gesungen.
Before the game, all the players sang the anthem.
Am Abend hört Anna ein ruhiges Lied im Radio.
In the evening, Anna listens to a calm song on the radio.