folk song
das Volkslied, die Volkslieder
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folk song
A traditional song that is widespread in a particular culture or region, often has a simple melody, and is passed down orally from generation to generation. The author is usually unknown.
Beim Lagerfeuer sangen alle gemeinsam alte deutsche Volkslieder.
At the campfire, everyone sang old German folk songs together.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Volkslieder |
| genitive | des Volkslieds |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Volkslied | die Volkslieder |
| accusative | das Volkslied | die Volkslieder |
| dative | dem Volkslied | den Volksliedern |
| genitive | des Volkslieds des Volksliedes | der Volkslieder |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word is a compound made up of 'Volk' (people) and 'Lied' (song). So it literally means a 'song of the people.' The 's' in the middle is a linking s, which connects the two parts of the word.
Dieses alte Volkslied erzählt eine traurige Geschichte.
This old folk song tells a sad story.
The component 'Volks-' is used in many words to describe something that is traditional, popular, or intended for the general public. Examples are 'Volksfest' (public festival), 'Volkstanz' (folk dance), or 'Volksmusik' (folk music).
Jedes Jahr im Herbst findet hier ein großes Volksfest statt.
Every year in autumn, a big public festival takes place here.
Volkslieder (folk songs) are typically 'gesungen' (sung), 'gesammelt' (collected), or 'überliefert' (passed down). People often speak of 'alte' (old), 'bekannte' (well-known), or 'traditionelle' (traditional) Volkslieder.
Meine Großmutter kennt noch viele alte Volkslieder aus ihrer Kindheit.
My grandmother still knows many old folk songs from her childhood.
