folk song
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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.
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.
folk music
'die Volksmusik' and 'das Volkslied' can easily be confused because both have to do with traditional music. 'Volksmusik' is the broader area or a style of music. It can include many songs and instrumental pieces. 'Ein Volkslied' is an individual song that is known in a culture or region and has often been passed down over a long time. So you can sing 'ein Volkslied' (a folk song), but listen to or play 'Volksmusik' (folk music). Remember: 'Volksmusik' is the type of music, while 'Volkslied' is a specific song.
Nach dem Essen sang meine Kollegin ein altes Volkslied aus ihrer Heimat.
After the meal, my colleague sang an old folk song from her home region.
Auf dem Dorffest spielte eine Gruppe traditionelle Volksmusik.
At the village festival, a group played traditional folk music.