The national anthem of Austria is titled “Land der Berge, Land am Strome” (Land of the Mountains, Land by the River). The lyrics were written by Paula von Preradović, and the melody is based on a tune traditionally attributed to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The anthem reflects Austria’s landscape, cultural roots, and sense of renewal after the Second World War.
lyrics (German)
Land der Berge, Land am Strome,
Land der Äcker, Land der Dome,
Land der Hämmer, zukunftsreich!
Heimat großer Töchter und Söhne,
Volk, begnadet für das Schöne,
Vielgerühmtes Österreich.
Mutig in die neuen Zeiten,
frei und gläubig sieh uns schreiten,
arbeitsfroh und hoffnungsreich.
Einig lass in Brüderchören,
Vaterland, dir Treue schwören,
vielgeliebtes Österreich.
English
Land of mountains, land by the river,
land of fields, land of cathedrals,
land of hammers, rich in future!
Home of great daughters and sons,
people gifted with a sense for beauty,
much-praised Austria.
Bravely into new times,
free and faithful let us move forward,
joyful in work and full of hope.
United in brotherly choirs,
fatherland, we pledge our loyalty to you,
much-loved Austria.
hat the Lyrics Mean (Line by Line)
“Land of mountains, land by the river”
The anthem opens by naming Austria’s geography, grounding identity in the natural landscape.
“Fields, cathedrals, hammers”
These images represent agriculture, culture, and labor, showing different parts of everyday life.
“Home of great daughters and sons”
This line highlights equality and contribution, recognizing both women and men.
“Gifted with a sense for beauty”
Austria is linked to art, music, and culture rather than military strength.
“Bravely into new times”
Written after World War II, this line looks forward, not backward.
“Free and faithful”
Freedom is paired with responsibility and belief, not isolation.
“United, we pledge loyalty”
The focus is on unity and shared commitment rather than authority.
The Story Behind Austria’s National Anthem
Austria’s current national anthem was adopted in 1946, shortly after the end of World War II. The country needed a new symbol that clearly separated the new republic from its recent past.
Paula von Preradović wrote the lyrics with renewal in mind. Instead of power or dominance, she focused on land, culture, and work. The anthem avoids references to empire or conquest, reflecting Austria’s new role as a neutral state.
The melody is traditionally linked to Mozart, although its exact origin is debated. Regardless of authorship, the tune was chosen because it represented Austria’s deep musical heritage.
By emphasizing beauty, cooperation, and hope, the anthem helped redefine national identity during a period of rebuilding. It speaks quietly rather than loudly, matching Austria’s post-war values.
Today, the anthem is performed at state ceremonies, cultural events, and national celebrations, continuing to represent a country defined more by culture and continuity than by force.
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