German Christmas Carols
O Tannenbaum - O Christmas Tree
Lyrics in German and English
See a short history of the “Tannenbaum” song below.
| Deutsch Tannenbaum TEXT: Ernst Anschütz, 1824 MELODIE: Volksweise (traditional) O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum, wie treu sind deine Blätter! Du grünst nicht nur zur Sommerzeit, Nein auch im Winter, wenn es schneit. O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum, wie treu sind deine Blätter! O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum! Du kannst mir sehr gefallen! Wie oft hat nicht zur Weihnachtszeit Ein Baum von dir mich hoch erfreut! O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum! Du kannst mir sehr gefallen! O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum! Dein Kleid will mich was lehren: Die Hoffnung und Beständigkeit Gibt Trost und Kraft zu jeder Zeit. O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum! Das soll dein Kleid mich lehren. |
English O Christmas Tree Literal English translation - HF Traditional melody O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree How loyal are your leaves/needles! You're green not only in the summertime, No, also in winter when it snows. O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree How loyal are your leaves/needles! O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree You can please me very much! How often has not at Christmastime A tree like you given me such joy! O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree, You can please me very much! O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree Your dress wants to teach me something: Your hope and durability Provide comfort and strength at any time. O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree, That's what your dress should teach me. Traditional English lyrics for this carol. |
A Tannenbaum is a fir tree (die Tanne) or Christmas tree (der Weihnachtsbaum). Although most Christmas trees today are Fichten (spruce) rather than Tannen, the qualities of the evergreen have inspired musicians to write several “Tannenbaum” songs in German over the years. The best known version (above) was penned in 1824 by a Leipzig organist named Ernst Anschütz. The melody is an old folk tune. The first known “Tannenbaum” song lyrics date back to 1550. A similar 1615 song by Melchior Franck (1573-1639) goes: “Ach Tannebaum, ach Tannebaum, du bist ein edler Zweig! Du grünest uns den Winter, die lieben Sommerzeit.” - The English version above is a literal translation by your Guide, not the traditional English lyrics for the song. There are at least a dozen English versions of this carol.
MORE > Traditional English lyrics for this carol
MORE > German Christmas Carol Lyrics
WEB > Notenblatt/Sheet Music for "O Tannenbaum" + MIDI (Alojado Publishing)
Related Pages
Christmas in German
All of our German Christmas pages.
German Music and Songs
More German musical lyrics and song information.
The Sound of Music - and German Lyrics
German popular music can be a fun way to learn German. With helpful tips.
Before You Buy German CDs
Tips on what you should know before you buy German music CDs.
German Newsletters
Subscribe to a free newsletter!
OUR GERMAN FORUMS