national anthem
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national anthem
A song or melody that serves as the official musical symbol of a state and is played on ceremonial occasions such as state receptions or sporting events.
Vor dem Länderspiel wurde die deutsche Nationalhymne gesungen.
Before the international match, the German national anthem was sung.
The word is made up of the adjective 'national' (belonging to the nation) and the noun 'die Hymne' (a solemn song). So it is literally the anthem of a nation.
Jedes Land hat seine eigene Nationalhymne.
Every country has its own national anthem.
In connection with a national anthem, the verbs 'singen' (to sing), 'spielen' (to play), and 'hören' (to hear/listen to) are often used. Sometimes the verb 'erklingen' (to resound/be heard) is also used to describe that the anthem can be heard.
Die Nationalhymne erklang zu Beginn der Zeremonie.
The national anthem resounded at the beginning of the ceremony.
The national anthem is typically played on certain occasions. The preposition 'bei' (at/during) or 'vor' (before) is often used, for example 'bei Siegerehrungen' (at award ceremonies) or 'vor Länderspielen' (before international matches).
Bei der Siegerehrung wird die Nationalhymne des Gewinners gespielt.
At the award ceremony, the winner's national anthem is played.
hymn / anthem
Hymne can be any solemn song of praise or reverence and is also used for the official song of a country. Nationalhymne, by contrast, refers specifically to this national symbol. Use Nationalhymne when the connection to a particular country is important; otherwise, Hymne can be more general.
Vor dem Länderspiel erklang die Nationalhymne beider Staaten.
Before the international match, the national anthems of both countries were played.
Bei der Feier sang der Chor eine Hymne zum Lob der Freiheit.
At the celebration, the choir sang a hymn in praise of freedom.
