Rammstein für Deutschlernende
Rammstein's German Lyrics for German-Learners
Do Fans Understand? A Word of Caution
German Music and Lyrics > Rammstein > Rammstein Lyrics
Rammstein's album "Mutter."
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Their latest CD album
is "Rosenrot" (2005)
Let me be clear. I like Rammstein's music -- even though I understand their German lyrics.
The German band known as Rammstein is unique in that it has managed to become popular in the English-speaking world by singing almost exclusively in German. Most other German artists or groups (think the Scorpions or Alphaville) have sung in English in order to reach the English-language market-or they sing in German and remain virtually unknown in the Anglo-American world (think Herbert Grönemeyer). But Rammstein has somehow turned their German lyrics into an advantage. It certainly can become an advantage for learning German.
But Rammstein has also stirred up controversy on their road to fame. One of the latest incidents involved their use of clips from the works of the Nazi filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl in one of their music videos. Even before that, their lyrics and images had given rise to criticism that the band has neo-Nazi or far right tendencies. With German lyrics that are often far from politically correct, their music was even linked to the Columbine, Colorado school shooting. Some British and American radio stations have refused to play Rammstein songs (even if they don't understand the German lyrics).
While there is no real evidence that any of Rammstein's six eastern German musicians themselves hold such right-wing beliefs, some people are either a little naive or in denial when they claim that Rammstein has done nothing to lead people to suspect the band of fascist leanings. The band itself has been a bit coy in their claims of "why would anyone accuse us of such things?" In light of some of their lyrics, they really should not pretend to be so innocent. The band members themselves have admitted they intentionally make their lyrics ambiguous and full of double entendre ("Zweideutigkeit").
Rammstein recorded "Live aus Berlin" in 1998.
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Read my review of this DVD.
However... I personally refuse to join those who totally reject artists for their supposed or actual political views. There are people who won't listen to Richard Wagner operas because he was antisemitic (which he was). For me, the talent evident in Wagner's music rises above other considerations. Just because I condemn his antisemitism doesn't mean I can't appreciate his music. The same goes for Leni Riefenstahl. Her former Nazi connections are undeniable, but so is her cinematic and photographic talent. If we choose or reject music, cinema or any art form only for political reasons, then we are missing the point of art.
But if you're going to listen to Rammstein's lyrics and their meaning, don't be naive about it. Yes, you can learn German through their lyrics, but be aware that those lyrics may have offensive overtones of a political, religious, sexual or social nature that people have a right to object to. (Not everyone is comfortable with lyrics about sadistic sex or the use of the f-word - even if it's in German.) If Rammstein's lyrics make people think about issues from fascism to misogyny, then that's for the good. If listeners also learn some German in the process, so much the better!
If you want to learn more about Rammstein's music and their song lyrics (in German and English translation), see our Rammstein Song Lyrics page.
Also see the related pages below.
Rammstein Song Lyrics
German and English lyrics for Rammstein songs.
DVD Review: Live aus Berlin
My review of this Rammstein DVD.
Rammstein music and videos from iTunes:
Some of Rammstein's songs, albums, and videos are available as an iTunes download. See our article on Downloading German Songs from the U.S. iTunes Music Store.
Rammstein CDs and DVDs
Compare prices and order Rammstein CDs or DVDs
• Völkerball - DVD (Nov. 2006)
• Rosenrot - CD album (2005)
• Lichtspielhaus - DVD (2003)
• Reise, Reise - CD album (2004)
• Sehnsucht - CD album
• Herzeleid - CD album
• Live aus Berlin - CD album
• Live aus Berlin - DVD (1998)
• Mutter - CD album
Related Pages
Rammstein Song Lyrics
German and English lyrics for Rammstein songs.
The Sound of Music... and Lyrics
About listening to German music by Rammstein, Die Prinzen and other groups. From your Guide.
German Music on CD
A selection of CDs by various artists/groups.
Before You Buy Music CDs
What you need to know.
"MfG" and the Fanta4
A German rap song full of abbreviations! From your Guide.
Top German Music CDs
Your Guide's top picks.
Are You Listening?
Hören Sie zu? Why you should be listening online! Plus, our Listening Poll.
Using Authentic Language Sources
Make the Web work for you-beginners included!
Rammstein Web Sites
Note: Most of these sites have minor errors in their English translations of Rammstein's lyrics. See our own Rammstein Song Lyrics page for accurate translations.
Herzeleid.com
Lyrics, news, and links. A semi-official American fan site.
Rammstein.de
The official German Rammstein site. Also in English (Rammstein.com).
Rammstein Austria
A good fan site in Austria (no kangaroos).
Almost Rammstein
An Australian (kangaroos) fan site.
Listening Links
Online listening. Music, radio and TV sites in German.
Music/Song Links
Many more NetLinks for German songs, artists, lyrics, etc. from your Guide.
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