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' and 'Nationalhymne' can both mean a solemn song. The difference is: a 'Nationalhymne' is always the official song of a country. A 'Hymne' is more general. It can be a solemn song of praise or reverence, and sometimes it can also mean the national anthem. Learners may confuse the words because every 'Nationalhymne' is a 'Hymne', but not every 'Hymne' is a 'Nationalhymne'. When the context is clearly about a country and official occasions, 'Nationalhymne' is more precise.
Vor dem Fußballspiel hörten alle die Nationalhymne.
Before the football match, everyone listened to the national anthem.
Der Chor sang am Ende der Feier eine ruhige Hymne.
At the end of the celebration, the choir sang a quiet hymn.